Program Overview

Our internationally acclaimed plant and crop science research is focussed on crop plants of global importance such as wheat, rice, barley, potato and tomato, and underutilised crops such as bambara.

We have a large multi-national team of plant and crop scientists covering a wide range of research areas, from investigating molecular mechanisms in plant cells and tissues that control important developmental processes, through to investigating performance of crop plants in the field.

We study the interactions between plants, their environment and other organisms including pathogens and beneficial microbes. Our goal is to harness this knowledge to improve crop quality and agronomic performance.

We undertake extensive fundamental research on mechanisms controlling plant growth and development using model plants, including Arabidopsis.

Research using model plants provides insights into gene networks that govern important agronomic traits such as seed germination, plant growth and morphology, plant response to environmental stresses, seed filling and fruit ripening. We aim to apply this fundamental knowledge to a diverse range of crop plants of significance to the UK and worldwide.

Explore our plant and crop research groups

Read about some of our research in the School of Biosciences: Long live the tomato

A PhD is an independent in-depth research project. You will be able to develop additional skills through training programmes to help you complete your PhD. See the support section for more details.

In each year you will have a regular meetings with your supervisor and an annual review.

An MRes is usually a one-year course that includes an original research project worth 120 credits.

You’ll then study 60 credits of optional taught modules. You can choose from a selection of masters-level modules.

The school believes that formal training and guidance are critical components of the postgraduate experience and have developed specific and generic training which are available for all postgraduates.

Project-related training is provided by the supervisors and other staff within the school. You will have frequent contact with your supervisor, often on a weekly or even daily basis, and there is a formal requirement for at least 10 recorded meetings per year.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postdoctoral research fellows.