PhD Programme (Research)

With a range of expertise in applied research in sustainable agriculture, food chain security, agribusiness, agronomy, soil science, animal welfare, equine science, and urban regeneration and development, the RAU provides a stimulating environment for individuals wanting to further their academic and professional careers thorough doctoral study.

The RAU is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and so all our projects explore issues that will help farmers, horse owners, and rural businesses apply innovative techniques and models to improve output, economic viability, health, and welfare while caring for the environment.

*Why study at the RAU? *

• Excellent job prospects for PhD candidates in both industry and academia

• Integrated structured training on research methodologies, statistics, presentation skills, and academic writing

• Range of on-farm facilities and unique established trial-plot areas to support your work

• Strong research collaborations with the University of Nottingham, Rothamsted Research, and University College Dublin allowing you access to some state-of-the-art laboratory facilities

• Our research degrees are validated by the University of Gloucestershire giving you access to a large and subject-diverse postgraduate network

Current research areas include:

Agronomy and sustainable agriculture

• Wheat-bean intercropping and sustainable production systems

• Environmental challenges and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Developing sustainable pest control methods

Soil science

• Understanding management influences on soil organic matter

• Nutrient cycling in soil and potential for carbon sequestration

Equine science

• Behavioural probes of brain function in horses

• Evaluating energy balance in competition horses

• Forage hygiene and respiratory health in stabled horses

Urban regeneration

• Smart city modelling

• International competitiveness of Chinese construction firms

• UAE residential valuation systems audit investigation and future pathways

The University is interested in receiving applications from suitably qualified, motivated, and self-financing students wishing to undertake research at either Master of Science by Research (MScR) or Doctoral (PhD) level.

Course Modules

The full-time PhD is a three-year research project, submitted as a thesis and examined as a viva voce.

Full-time – minimum 36 months / maximum 48 months
Part-time minimum 48 months / maximum 72 months
Please note due to visa restrictions, part-time study is not available to international students on a Tier 4 visa.

Research students receive training in formulating research enquiries, critical reading, scientific writing, research methodology, statistics (e.g. Genstat, SPSS, NVivo), and presentation skills. As part of the on-going development programme all post graduate students contribute to internal seminars and present their work at conferences.