PhD (School of Optometry and Vision Science)

Program Overview

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PhD (School of Optometry and Vision Science)

Overview

The PhD at the Bradford School of Optometry and Vision Science encompasses multidisciplinary research using a variety of techniques in the following areas:

• Basic visual processing and perception
• Visual development and myopia
• Ocular imaging
• Age-related eye disease
• Clinical optometry including service delivery/evaluation, contact lenses and refraction
• Vision-related effects on quality of life and daily activities

Research in the School is commonly carried out in collaboration with external organisations in industry and the NHS, as well as the Digital Health Enterprise Zone and Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research.

Entry Requirements

Faculty research is very important and recruitment of high-quality postgraduate research students is a key part of the Faculty of Life Sciences strategic plan.

Typical applicants would hold a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification in optometry, psychology, orthoptics, medicine, statistics, or another related discipline.

Selection of PGR students will be subject to successful interview (either in person or by video or conference call) by the supervisory team and one independent member of academic staff with significant PGR supervisory experience.

English language requirements:

• If English is not your first language, we ask for a minimum standard entry requirement of 6.0 IELTS (with sub tests not lower than 5.5).
• The certificate must have been gained within two years of the proposed start date.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2024 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

We aim to train multidisciplinary researchers capable of working as independent investigators and/or academics across the public and private sectors.

The Faculty of Life Sciences is the largest in the University with an active PGR community. The University strategy is implemented at Faculty level within an institutional PGR framework and is in line with QAA/RCUK recommendations. PGR students are allocated to a supervisory team comprising a principal investigator of the project, a second supervisor, and an independent academic mentor.

Students are required to undertake training in scientific writing, producing a critical appraisal of research in their field within their first six months, and additionally, have access to Master's (level 7) modules to enhance skills relevant to their project.

Throughout the course of study, students are responsible for developing a Personal Development Folder which incorporates monitoring and progression requirements as well as generic and specific training records.

Students have several opportunities to present their work to their peers within the Faculty at a regular research seminar series, and at a dedicated symposium aligned with the Faculty Research Open Day. Further, PGR students attend regular journal clubs and skills workshops within the School of Optometry and Vision Science.

PGR students within the School are typically given the opportunity to contribute to practical and/or clinical teaching on our undergraduate optometry courses.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

Please see the tuition fees website for the relevant tuition and writing up fees:

• Home students
• International students

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you live in England you may be able to apply for a special Government-funded Master's Loan to help pay your tuition fees and living costs. You don't have to pay the loan back until you're earning a certain amount of money.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

Research

Postdoctoral Researchers follow a career staff development plan including the “Realising Your Research Potential” cohort training programme. This programme has been developed for early career researchers and academics who have the interest and potential to engage in research activity.

Training is aimed to help kick-start their research career by development of the skills needed as well as connecting PDRs to a network of colleagues from across the University including access to the University-wide events currently organised in our annual seminar programme: Costing your Research Grant, Research Ethics Approval Process, European funding - visit by UKRO Representative, Winning Grant Funding, Research Professional Workshop, Knowledge Transfer Partnership Information Session and Yorkshire Innovation Fund Information Session.