PhD Programme

Program Overview

The Royal Agricultural University's PhD program offers individuals the opportunity to conduct independent research in sustainable agriculture, food security, agribusiness, and rural development. The program equips students with advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and prepares them for careers in academia, industry, or government. The program is research-focused, with students working closely with experienced faculty supervisors and participating in seminars, conferences, and presentations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) offers a PhD program that provides individuals with an opportunity to further their academic and professional careers through doctoral study. The program focuses on applied research in various fields related to sustainable agriculture, food chain security, agribusiness, and rural development.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct independent research.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
• Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in chosen fields of study.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, or government.

Program Description:

The PhD program is a three-year research project culminating in a thesis and a viva voce examination. Students can begin the program in either September or January. The program offers both full-time and part-time options.

Full-time:

• Minimum duration: 36 months
• Maximum duration: 48 months

Part-time:

• Minimum duration: 48 months
• Maximum duration: 72 months

Important Note:

Due to visa restrictions, international students on Tier 4 visas cannot pursue part-time studies.

Outline:

Course Content:

• The program focuses on independent research, with students conducting their chosen research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Students receive training in formulating research inquiries, critical reading, scientific writing, research methodology, statistics, and presentation skills.
• They also contribute to internal seminars and present their work at conferences.
However, it does mention several research areas that students can choose to focus on, including:
• Agronomy and sustainable agriculture: Wheat-bean intercropping, food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, sustainable pest control methods.
• Soil science: Management influences on soil organic matter, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
• Equine science: Behavioral probes of brain function, evaluating energy balance, forage hygiene.
• Urban regeneration: Smart city modelling, competitiveness of Chinese construction firms, UAE residential valuation systems.

Assessment:

The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes. These may include:

• Thesis: The primary assessment method, requiring students to demonstrate their research skills, knowledge, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Presentations: Students are expected to present their research findings at conferences and seminars, honing their communication and presentation skills.
• Viva voce examination: An oral defense of the thesis, allowing students to demonstrate their in-depth understanding of the research topic and answer questions from a panel of experts.
• Continuous assessment: Throughout the program, students may be assessed through coursework, assignments, and other forms of evaluation to track progress and provide feedback.

Teaching:

The program employs experienced faculty with expertise in their respective research fields. The teaching methods may vary depending on the supervisor and research area, but generally include:

• Individual supervision: Students receive regular guidance and feedback from their supervisor.
• Seminars and workshops: These sessions provide opportunities for students to interact with faculty and peers, discuss research findings, and develop critical thinking skills.
• Conferences and guest lectures: Exposure to experts and diverse perspectives through conferences and guest lectures can broaden students' understanding and research perspectives.
• Independent research: The core of the program, encouraging students to take ownership of their research and develop self-directed learning skills.

Careers:

The PhD program equips graduates with valuable skills and knowledge, opening doors to diverse career opportunities. Potential paths include:

• Academia: Pursue research and teaching positions at universities or research institutions.
• Industry: Work as researchers, consultants, or project managers in various sectors related to agriculture, food, environment, or rural development.
• Government: Contribute to policy development, research, or advisory roles within government agencies.
Graduates can find employment opportunities in organizations like:
• Research institutes
• Agricultural companies
• Food processing companies
• Environmental consultancies
• Government agencies
• International development organizations

Other:

Entry requirements:

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Relevant work experience may be considered for mature candidates.
• International students require an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in other elements.

Fees:

• UK students: £5,500 per year for full-time, £2,750 per year for part-time.
• Overseas/EU students: £18,050 per year for full-time (part-time option unavailable due to visa restrictions).
• Additional costs for self-funding students include experiment costs and supervisor travel.
• Fees may be subject to annual inflation increases.

2024-25 Applicants UK Overseas/EU Full-time £5,500 per year (minimum registration of 3 years) £18,050 per year (minimum registration of 3 years) Part-time £2,750 per year (minimum registration of 6 years) N/A Please note: Part-time students from non-UK countries are currently unable to enrol on research degrees due to visa regulations.