Research degrees in Science and Technology, PhD, MPhil

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study, and can sometimes be provided by distance learning. 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.

Research in the School of Science and Technology is rich and diverse; with staff conducting internationally recognised and world leading research. Research is clustered in Research Centres, providing a focus for different themes with their underpinning platforms:

• Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre
• The John Van Geest Research Centre
• Physical Sciences, Engineering and Computing Research Centre.

These centres promote the research excellence and facilities within the School, and stimulate knowledge transfer, innovation and exploitation. They provide strategic direction in research planning and portfolio development and ensure that mechanisms are in place to nurture research.

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.

We offer opportunities for postgraduate research leading to PhD or MPhil qualifications, by both full and part-time research routes, across the broad subject disciplines within our portfolio. Major areas of research in School of Science and Technology are:

Biomedical and Biological Sciences

• Bioinformatics and Biomathematics
• Biomolecular and Microbial Analysis (including Biotechnology)
• Environmental Quality and Management Research
• Cell Biology, Pathology and Ageing
• Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Pathogen Research
• Personalised Medicine
• Proteomics and Genomics
• Tumour immunology

Chemistry and Forensic Science

• Chemical education
• Analytical and Forensic Science
• Organic and medicinal chemistry
• Bioinorganic and materials chemistry
• Crystallography of organic compounds and molecular interaction
• Drug delivery and imaging
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Green chemistry
• Catalysis
• Nano-materials and nano-chemistry
• Polymer chemistry, composites and organic materials
• Chemometrics and metabonomics

Computing and Technology

• Applied Imaging and Displays
• Communication Systems
• Computational Optimisation and Applications
• Intelligent Recognition
• Intelligent Simulation and Modelling
• Interactive Systems
• Serious Games

Physics and Mathematics

• Archeometry and Imaging for Art Conservation
• Bioinformatics and Biomathematics
• Graph Theory and Applied Mathematics
• Medical and Materials Imaging
• Observational Astronomy and Cosmology
• Optics and Displays
• Sensors and Acoustics

Sport Science

• Biomechanics and Neuromechanics
• Nutrition
• Physical Activity and Health
• Respiratory Physiology
• Sports Management
• Team Performance and Environmental Stress