The
Doctoral College
is able to answer any questions you may have about applying for or undertaking a postgraduate research degree at the University of Plymouth: research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or +44 1752 587640.
Course details
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Programme overview
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This full time or part time doctoral programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject. If you aspire to a research career this is the most appropriate research degree to undertake.You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies.You will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (up to 80,000 words), or one that combines critical writing with artistic, creative and/or professional practice, and a viva voce(an oral examination).For full details of what doing a PhD entails at the University of Plymouth, please visit our
postgraduate research degrees pages.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to have completed a masters level qualification to a high standard (e.g. at 'merit' or 'distinction' level) as well as either a good 2:1 or first class honours undergraduate degree in an area of study appropriate to your project proposal. We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications (for instance, you may have studied different subjects at undergraduate and masters level but have worked in and/or developed an interest in your sector since then). You may also be interested in
ResM Environmental Sciences
.
You will also need to provide evidence that you are ready to pursue the project you propose in your application. This will take the form of a research proposal.
If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you’ll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.
For more general guidelines and application requirements, please visit the
research degrees applicants page.
Fees, costs and funding
Please visit
tuition fees for postgraduate research
for information about fees.
If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for three years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional one year writing up period.
If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for four years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional 'writing up' period of up to two years.
You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.
Please visit our postgraduate research
money matters
page to find out more about issues related to fees, funding, loans and paying for your programme of study.
How to apply
In addition to completing the online application form (which includes space for a personal statement), you must also upload a research project proposal. Your research proposal should outline your research topic, your key aims and the research question/problem you are addressing, a brief literature review, your proposed methodology, and an explanation of why this topic is significant or important.
Your personal statement should briefly explain why you have chosen to apply to our programme and what you feel you can offer our research community.
Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the
Doctoral College
by completing our online application form.
Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the
Doctoral College
and we'll be happy to assist you.
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the
student regulations, policies and procedures
page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
Biogeochemistry Research Centre
Researching the environmental behaviour, fate and impact of nutrients, metals and pharmaceuticals in terrestrial, atmospheric and aquatic systems.
The Biogeochemistry Research Centre comprises expert researchers and instrumentation, with acknowledged international leaders in organic geochemistry and environmental analytical chemistry and a strong focus on marine science and current and past ecosystems and climates.
Academic staff
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Professor Mark Fitzsimons
Professor of Environmental Chemistry
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Dr Andrew Turner
Associate Professor (Reader) in Environmental Sciences
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Dr Simon Ussher
Associate Professor of Marine and Analytical Chemistry
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Dr Angela Milne
Lecturer in Environmental Science
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Dr Souran Chatterjee
Lecturer in Energy Transitions -Environmental Management & Sustainability
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Dr Paul Lunt
Associate Professor in Environmental Science
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Dr Sophie Fauset
Associate Professor in Terrestrial Ecology
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Dr Hayley Manners
Lecturer in Organic Chemistry
Funding for postgraduate research students
If you are considering starting a postgraduate research course, you could get help to pay for your course and living costs.
Doctoral College
Find out more about the Doctoral College and the support it offers students, supervisors and examiners of postgraduate research at the University of Plymouth.