| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
Program Overview
We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Atmospheric Science.
Research at Worcester has grown significantly in the last 10 years as the University itself has expanded. As a research student you will join a vibrant student community in our Research School and become part of our dynamic research environment.
The Atmospheric Science team at Worcester runs a range of experiments funded by UK research councils that are well suited for additional PhD studies in relation to vegetation and/or atmospheric science. It is affiliated within European funded exchange programmes providing extensive possibilities for travelling and longer-term visits at international partner universities.
Key features
- Available as a full-time or part-time course (completed over a maximum of six years).
- Links with European funded exchange programmes and experiments funded by UK research councils.
- All students are offered a wide range of optional training workshops throughout the programme, focused around a wide range of themes.
- Access an excellent range of resources and equipment, including meteorological observational equipment, a drone with meteorological sensors, pollen and spore traps and modelling facilities.
- Our staff have a broad range of expertise in aerobiology, palynology, meteorology, climate, GIS, modelling, field studies, and air pollution.
Program Outline
Programme structure
PhD year by year
After receiving your application, we try to establish if we have the necessary expertise to supervise your project and we begin to form a supervisory team for you. This will normally consist of a Director of Studies (DoS), who will be your lead supervisor, and at least one other supervisor, who will offer you additional support and guidance throughout your studies. If, following a successful interview, you are offered a place as a full-time student, your programme of study will look something like this:
First year
First year
You will have submitted a draft research outline with your application. In your first year, you will be working towards submitting a more complete research proposal. You will be aided in your research by meeting with your supervisory team to discuss your progress. You will also be supported through your first year by engaging with a series of four modules:
- RSDP4001: Developing as a Researcher
- RSDP4002: Approaches to Research 1
- RSDP4003: Approaches to Research 2
- RSDP4004: Planning Your Research Project
At the end of each year, beginning with your first year, you will reflect on and formally review your progress with your supervisory team and MPhil/PhD Course Leader. We call this annual meeting an Annual Progress Review (APR).
Second year
Second year
In your second year, you will be collecting data and working on your research project under the supervision of your supervisors through regular meetings. You may at this point have research papers ready to publish and you may wish to attend conferences to present your research to other experts in your field. You will be able to apply to our Research Student Support Scheme for some funding for this purpose. Students normally undergo Transfer from MPhil to PhD towards the end of their second year. This will be part of your Annual Progress Review for this year.
Third and fourth year
Third and fourth year
In your third and fourth year, you will be writing up your thesis and preparing for your viva voce examination. This is an oral exam with two examiners and a chair. You can also request that your supervisor be present at the exam. The exam will take place after you have submitted your final thesis. After the exam, it is not unusual for the examiners to ask that some amendments be made to your thesis before the final award is confirmed and you will have additional time to do this. It is possible to complete the course in three years, but we have found that the majority of students do take four years to complete the course. At the end of each year of your registration, you will go through an Annual Progress Review.
Resources
Resources
Access to the University of Worcester’s virtual resources and its state-of-the-art library facilities. The Atmospheric Science team at Worcester have an excellent range of resources available to support your learning and your research project, including: meteorological observational equipment, a drone with meteorological sensors, pollen and spore traps, a high-performance computing facility for modelling such as weather forecasting. The team also runs a range of experiments funded by UK research councils that are well suited for additional PhD studies in relation to vegetation and/or atmospheric science. It is affiliated within European funded exchange programmes providing extensive possibilities for travelling and longer-term visits at international partner universities.
Programme specification
Programme specification
For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document for the
MPhil
orPhD.
Part time students follow the same structure as full-time students but normally complete the PhD over a period of five to six years. Part-time students take two modules in each of their first two years, and will normally Transfer to PhD in their fourth year.
Research areas
Supervision areas
Supervision areas
The
School of Science and the Environment
has a strong mix of academics with a high degree of professional and personal experience, enabling you to get the most out of your programme. Our staff have expertise in aerobiology, palynology, meteorology, climate, GIS, modelling, field studies, and air pollution.Where could it take you?
All students engage with our Researcher Development Programme (RDP). The RDP aims to develop and enhance the skills, both generic and specific, that you will need to complete your research degree but also to become an effective researcher. The RDP is organised around thematic clusters, consisting of modules, and workshops, delivered face-to-face by subject specialists from across the University and the dedicated Researcher Development Team, or online through our virtual learning environment.
As part of the RDP, you will complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods (PG Cert). All students must complete the PG Cert in order to progress on their MPhil/PhD Programme. The PG Cert is strongly focused on developing your programme of research, starting from establishing your development needs, and preparing you for the planning and subsequent delivery of your programme of research.
Full-time students will complete the PG Cert in 12 months and part-time students in 24 months.
All students engage with our Researcher Development Programme (RDP). The RDP aims to develop and enhance the skills, both generic and specific, that you will need to complete your research degree but also to become an effective researcher. The RDP is organised around thematic clusters, consisting of modules, and workshops, delivered face-to-face by subject specialists from across the University and the dedicated Researcher Development Team, or online through our virtual learning environment.
As part of the RDP, you will complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods (PG Cert). All students must complete the PG Cert in order to progress on their MPhil/PhD Programme. The PG Cert is strongly focused on developing your programme of research, starting from establishing your development needs, and preparing you for the planning and subsequent delivery of your programme of research.
Full-time students will complete the PG Cert in 12 months and part-time students in 24 months.