Plant Sciences PhD
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Course description
PhD programmes are based on individual research projects that last 3 or 4 years, working with a specific academic supervisor (principle investigators). Applicants are specifically matched with a principle investigator based on their research interests and background.
The Plant Sciences group at The University of Manchester aim to understand the endogenous and extrinsic factors that regulate plant growth, development, evolution and adaptation. Experimental approaches range from studies of individual molecules through to the whole plant in its natural environment. Well characterised model plants such as Arabidopsis as well as crops and natural species are used in interdisciplinary approaches which entail interactions between groups and across the Faculty. Research projects are supported by a wide range of funding agencies, as well as industrial sponsors, all of which enable fundamental research in a variety of projects ranging from biofuels to producing pharmaceuticals. Three major themes run through Plant Sciences research:
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Plastids
- Plant Adaptation, Acclimation and Evolution
Scholarships and bursaries
Each year the Faculty of Life Sciences has a number of studentships on offer to eligible UK/EU applicants. These studentships are funded by awards from UK research councils (i.e. BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, ESRC, AHRC). Studentships are linked to specific PhD projects and are available for applicants to work in the laboratories of named principal investigators. Each year the list of funded PhD projects varies. In addition, throughout the year other studentships may be available through charities, internal funds and some industry-sponsored awards.
The Faculty endeavors to assisting academically excellent international students who wish to undertake a research degree within biological or life science. The Faculty has a number of different scholarship options available to international students.
Applicants are advised to check the Faculty postgraduate web pages for lists of current funding opportunities and eligibility criteria.