Science - Research, MPhil/PhD
Join world-leading research teams with diverse expertise to study for a research degree in Science (MPhil/PhD) at the University of Greenwich.
We offer advanced research training opportunities across a broad range of areas, including chemistry, pharmacy, biomedical science, environmental science and sports science. Our research degree is designed by four departments: Medway School of Pharmacy, the Natural Resources Institute, Life and Sports Science, and Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Environmental Science. Research activities are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and computer facilities.
You will initiate and interpret new knowledge, led by your understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in your academic discipline. Recent projects by our research students include solar energy conversion, fragment-based drug discovery, the treatment of contaminated soils by accelerated carbonation, and the integrated production of bio-diesel from rapeseed oil. Once you complete your training, you'll be ideally suited to work in academic or industrial research environments.
You are highly encouraged to identify and contact a potential MPhil/PhD supervisor among the School of Science staff members. They will guide you with your application and help you shape your research proposal.
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School
Location
Duration
- 3-4 years full-time
- 4-7 years part-time
Start month
We accept applications all year-round.
Home /international fees 2024/25
£4,786 /£17,450
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Your PhD will centre on a specific research area and topic. With guidance from your supervisory team, you will select areas to study that align with your project. You may also attend extra classes or participate in training events to support your research. This can include seminars and workshops provided by the Faculty and your Research Centre. In addition, you will be part of the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP). The PGRDP offers both mandatory and elective sessions designed to assist research students in enhancing their skills.
About the course team
The course is designed collaboratively between the Medway School of Pharmacy, Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and the School of Science, offering a variety of choice. The majority of our team are research active, with over 100 faculty members eligible for the Research Excellence Framework (REF). We have 12 professors in the field of science and a growing number of Fellows and Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree with minimum 2:1 (or equivalent), or a Master’s degree with minimum 60% overall (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Applicants who don’t meet the above but have significant experience may be considered subject to the approval of the Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange and the Programme Leader.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
- Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview.
- Applicants will also be required to:
- Provide a detailed research proposal of approx. 1,500 words (for scholarship applications, please see specific instructions in the advert and include the scholarship reference to the personal statement section).
- Provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Provide 2x academic or professional references.
- Applicants are highly encouraged to identify and contact a potential MPhil/PhD supervisor. They will guide applicants through the application and help shape the research proposal. Where possible, include the name of the potential supervisor(s) contacted in research proposal and personal statement.
FES Research Centres
Application process
Information on available University of Greenwich research studentship and scholarships
For more information, contact FES Research Office: FES-Research-Office@gre.ac.uk
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
This course creates a structured route into scientific research.
Research students are usually provided with a supervisory team to guide you through your research project. Your supervisors are usually research staff from within the faculty, although we may appoint from another department or from outside the university if suitable.
Class sizes
Students on this course benefit from dedicated lab space.
Independent learning
A research degree is a major piece of original work. Most of your study time will be spent working independently, with support from your supervisory team.
You may also wish to factor in other research activity, such as participation at seminars, events and conferences, or working towards publications.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job over a 3-year period. For part-time students, this will adjust accordingly.
Assessment
The MPhil/PhD Programme is assessed by a written thesis and a viva including an external examiner, an internal examiner and a panel chair. For PhD study, students initially register for MPhil and undergo an internal transfer review after one year of research, to determine their readiness for full PhD registration.
Feedback summary
You receive regular feedback from your supervisory team, which meets formally every two weeks, but informally much more often. A faculty-level committee reviews your progress annually and helps to shape the direction of the project.
The oral examination (or viva) takes place a few weeks after the submission of the thesis and is assessed by an external researcher knowledgeable in the field of study.
Dates and timetables
Enrolment on the PhD/MPhil programme can take place at any time during the academic year.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £4,786 | £2,393 per year | N/A |
| International | £17,450 | £8,725 per year | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
MPhil and PhD graduates in Science can pursue careers in industry, government and academia.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. Our Employer Partnerships Manager develops relationships with companies to provide employment opportunities.
Accommodation
Medway campus in Kent
Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.
With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.
Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
You will have a supervisory team of at least two academic members of staff. They bring their academic expertise to the project and support you through the development and delivery of your project. The PhD and Master's by Research courses also have dedicated course leaders who maintain oversight and act as an additional, independent point of contact.
PhD students will complete a programme of tailored training, coaching and mentoring activities delivered by the university's Research and Enterprise Training Institute (RETI).
Support from the department
In addition to supporting you with laboratory space and other infrastructure required for your project, departments also provide office space and a supportive and stimulating research environment. We also encourage you to deliver your findings at external conferences and other networking events.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Science at the University of Greenwich
Whatever subject you’re into, from human health to climate change, our supportive learning environment will prepare you for your future career. Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies.
Visit our science degrees page.
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