PhD study and Masters by Research

A research degree involves carrying out an in-depth study of a particular topic. In the School of Biosciences we offer one type of degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). A PhD is the highest qualification a university can award and offers a challenging and exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of research; Exeter provides a very supportive environment in which to pursue research.

Research degrees involve an extensive investigation of a particular topic, but the PhD is only awarded when the results of your investigation make an original contribution to knowledge in the field. The results of your research will normally be assessed by a written thesis and oral examination.

You will need to pinpoint the area in which you wish to undertake your research and identify academics who are undertaking similar research here who can offer supervision in your chosen field. Find out about the individual staff members in Biosciences, their research interests, publications and current projects in our Biosciences staff profiles area. You can read more about the Research groups within Biosciences.

If you feel a research degree is the right path for you, we recommend reading about the specifics of following a research degree at our campuses on our PhD in Exeter and PhD in Cornwall webpages, where you can also find out how to make first contact with the School and discuss your interests.

Further information about research degrees

Find out more about Research degrees at the University of Exeter on our Postgraduate Study website.

PhD studentships

We advertise PhD studentship positions within the School on this website, which may be of interest if you are thinking of pursuing further research in a particular area. Find out about PhD studentships on offer in the School of Biosciences.

Masters by Research

The School of Biosciences now offers a Masters by Research programme, enabling students with an interest in pursuing further qualification the opportunity to develop their research skills and metrology through full-time supervised research.