Program Overview

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PhD Microbiology

Overview

The PhD Microbiology program at the University of Essex is a research-based degree that allows students to investigate a chosen topic in depth and reach a profound understanding. The program is based in the School of Life Sciences, which covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems. This broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and interdisciplinary projects.

Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject is required.
• A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
• Students will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

UK Entry Requirements

Students with a UK background should have a good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

• A list of countries is provided, but the specific requirements for each country are not detailed in the given context.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, students require IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, with a score of 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving students the chance to investigate their chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.

• The program allows students to develop new high-level skills, enhance their professional development, and build new networks.
• It can open doors to many careers.

Assessment

The aim of undertaking the PhD within the School of Life Sciences is to train students to become independent researchers who can critically assess research work and have a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology.

• The PhD programme is usually three to four years' duration.
• All students are initially registered as MPhil students, then transfer to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress.

Dissertation

Within the School of Life Sciences, students attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year, where they submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members.

• At these meetings, the documents are discussed with the student and their progress is assessed.
• The PhD thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a maximum length of 80,000 words.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

Ł5,006 per year

International Fee

Ł22,550 per year

• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

Open Days

The university holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year.

• The Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex.
• Students can tour the campus and accommodation, find out answers to their questions about courses, graduate employability, student support, and more.

Applying

Students can apply for this postgraduate course online.

• Before applying, students should check the information about necessary documents that will be required as part of the application.
• The university encourages students to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within their chosen Department or School.
• Students are encouraged to consider a brief research proposal prior to the submission of a full application.

Visit Colchester Campus

The Colchester Campus is set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland and is located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester.

• The campus is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Related Courses

MSc (by Dissertation) Microbiology

• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Location: Colchester Campus