Research Degrees in Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, PhD, MPhil

The School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for an MPhil or PhD by research.

Research within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences specialises in the fields of:

• Environmental Management
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Equestrian Sports
• Animal Welfare
• Animal Nutrition
• Food and Agriculture.

In addition the School is developing research that will support its Rural Knowledge and Enterprise initiative, including horticulture, sustainable waste management and food technology.

The campus has its own laboratories, IT and library suites as well as an animal care unit, equestrian centre and modern glasshouses. Students based at Brackenhurst also have access to facilities at the University's Clifton campus and City site.

Undertaking an MPhil or PhD
Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for an MPhil or PhD by research in all its academic schools. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study, and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.

Supporting your studies
Carrying out research for a PhD, MPhil or ProfD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.

The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.

The Graduate School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers.

Researcher training
In addition to studying for a research degree, students undertaking traditional route PhDs will participate in researcher training. This combines general research training with specific topics associated with your discipline. The training focuses on the requirements of external research funding bodies and government requirements.

We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.

Download an application form
To download an application form click Order Literature above.

What do you study?
Research in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences is grounded in the following academic disciplines:

• Animal Nutrition
• Animal Health and Welfare
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Sedimentary Environments
• Sustainable Environments.

Support and supervision
During your research you will be supported by a dedicated supervision team with specialist knowledge in your field of activity. You will also have full access to student support centres, financial advice, careers advice, disability support, counselling and an accommodation service.

Current research topics and supervisors

• Optimisation of bioethanol by-products for poultry feed and poultry nutrition. Dr Emily Clarke
• Behavioural ecology and investigations into declining farmland bird populations. Dr Louise Gentle
• Carnivore conservation and impacts of human modified habitats on species ecology. Dr Richard Yarnell
• Reservoir sedimentation, surface water quality, hydrology of peat areas, fluvial geomorphology and moorland erosion. Dr Jillian Labadz
• Ice-marginal processes, moraine sedimentology, geomorphology and structural characteristics. Dr Nicholas Midgley
• Individual behavioural variation in a variety of species and the application of behavioural variation to conservation. Dr Samantha Bremner-Harrison
• Equine perception and cognition and equine welfare. Dr Carol Hall

See more staff research profiles from within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.