PhD Programme
With a range of expertise in applied research in sustainable agriculture, food chain security, agribusiness, agronomy, entrepreneurship, rural enterprise, soil science, equine science and urban regeneration and development, the RAU provides a stimulating environment for individuals wanting to further their academic and professional careers thorough doctoral study.
Course overview
The RAU is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and so all our projects explore issues that will help farmers, horse owners, and rural businesses apply innovative techniques and models to improve output, economic viability, health, and welfare while caring for the environment.
Why study at the RAU?
- Excellent job prospects for PhD candidates in both industry and academia
- Integrated structured training on research methodologies, statistics, presentation skills, and academic writing
- Range of on-farm facilities and unique established trial-plot areas to support your work
- Strong research collaborations with the University of Nottingham, Rothamsted Research, and University College Dublin allowing you access to some state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Our research degrees are validated by the University of Gloucestershire giving you access to a large and subject-diverse postgraduate network
Current research areas include:
Agronomy and sustainable agriculture
- Wheat-bean intercropping and sustainable production systems
- Environmental challenges and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Developing sustainable pest control methods
Soil science
- Understanding management influences on soil organic matter
- Nutrient cycling in soil and potential for carbon sequestration
Equine science
- Behavioural probes of brain function in horses
- Evaluating energy balance in competition horses
- Forage hygiene and respiratory health in stabled horses
Urban regeneration
- Smart city modelling
- International competitiveness of Chinese construction firms
- UAE residential valuation systems audit investigation and future pathways
The University is interested in receiving applications from suitably qualified, motivated, and self-financing students wishing to undertake research at either Master of Science by Research (MScR) or Doctoral (PhD) level.
Course content
Please note due to visa restrictions, part-time study is not available to international students on a Tier 4 visa.
Research students receive training in formulating research enquiries, critical reading, scientific writing, research methodology, statistics (e.g. Genstat, SPSS, NVivo), and presentation skills. As part of the on-going development programme all post graduate students contribute to internal seminars and present their work at conferences.
There are no formal timetabled sessions for research degrees, which allows students to fulfil other commitments they may have, such as work, family and interests.
Disclaimer information
The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.
Entry requirements
Standard entry criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Master’s Degree (MSc/MA/MBA): A relevant degree with a Merit or higher overall, with a minimum of 65% in the dissertation.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): A relevant degree with a Distinction overall.
- Undergraduate Degree: A relevant 1st class honours accompanied by relevant professional experience.
Professional Pathway entry criteria
We highly value professional expertise. If you are not eligible under the Standard Entry Criteria for your chosen research degree, you may still be eligible to apply under the Professional Pathway.
To be considered, you must have extensive, high-level professional experience commensurate with postgraduate level positions (e.g. team leader, management, project leader, etc.). This experience must be within the specific field you are applying to study. You must also be able to demonstrate an aptitude for academic writing at post graduate level, and the proven ability to design, manage, and complete a successful independent research project.
For students whose first language is not English
The University will accept the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in all elements.
International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.
Fees
2026-27 Applicants (including January 2027)
For the academic year 2026-2027 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas/EU | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £6,000 per year | £18,950 per year |
| Part-time | £3,000 per year (minimum registration of 2 years) | N/A |
Please note: Part-time students from non-UK countries are currently unable to enrol on research degrees due to visa regulations.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
Apply now for January 2027
If you have the ambition and passion to carry out research at higher degree level, together with the necessary finance to cover tuition fees, research project costs and your own living expenses, please contact Admissions, admissions@rau.ac.uk.
Applicants are required to contact Admissions (admissions@rau.ac.uk) prior to submitting an application to discuss their proposed research project. Please complete and return the Research Proposal form.
Research applicants should submit their initial enquiry at least 12 weeks prior to the date they are intending to start their study .
If your proposed research has been agreed and you are invited to submit a formal application please, ensure you complete this:
Home/UK applicants: at least one month prior to the start date of the programme
EU/Overseas applicants: at least three months prior to the start date of the programme as a student visa is required
SELF-FUNDED APPLICANTS
Application Submission Deadline:
For January/February entry: by 1st September
For September/October entry: by 1st May
Applicants who apply for an external PhD scholarship such as the PhD Commonwealth Secretariat Scholarship must ensure they submit their research proposal and admissions application to the University 3-6 months prior to scholarship deadline. Short-notice applications that depend on a CSC scholarship/funding cannot be considered unless submitted in line with the indicated timelines above.
Apply now for January 2027
Visa advice for international students
Applying to the RAU for postgraduate courses
International students
