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Students
Tuition Fee
USD 25,875
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Microbiology
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
USD 25,875
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2023-10-06-
2024-01-15-
About Program

Program Overview


Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and inter-disciplinary projects. We offer supervision in a wide range of topics in microbiology, ranging from medical microbiology to environmental microbiology and from biochemical and genomic analysis of single species to whole communities. As a research student at Essex, you’ll work at the heart of our internationally acknowledged and well-connected research community. We offer world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage you to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners and research users, where possible for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses. Part-time research study is also available. You can start this degree in October, January or April. An MPhil and MSD are also available. Why we're great.
  • Collaborate alongside our research groups working on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques.
  • You will be part of our collaborative Research Groups that work on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques, and who have strong links with a range of organisations such as the NHS, Public Health England, the Environment Agency, Cefas, Defra, oil companies and Anglian Water.
  • The quality of our work is reflected in the large number of publications in high-profile academic journals our staff feature in.

Our expert staff

Within our School of Life Sciences, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may be jointly supervised. The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan. Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months. Your technical and intellectual development will be enhanced by becoming part of a Research Group, and participating in School Seminars.

Specialist facilities

Our School of Life Sciences provides a comprehensive range of facilities for medical and environmental microbiology research which include fully automated laboratories with robotic liquid-handling systems and facilities for microbial culture, cell culture, molecular biology, gene editing and next-generation sequence analysis and an advanced bioimaging suite to visualise and process analyse images of biological processes in real time. A dedicated study room allows all our postgraduate research students to have access to a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories. This provides a focal point for our postgraduates, facilitating reading and writing as well as good communication and a sense of community.

Your future

Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others have embarked on careers in biomedical laboratories and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, or governmental and non-governmental organisations. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.

Program Outline

Course structure

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers. We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.


Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose. Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
Status What this means
Core You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.


Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits. In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available. Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
HR 100 4 FY
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. The module number. The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. The term the module will be taught in.
  • AU : Autumn term
  • SP : Spring term
  • SU : Summer term
  • FY : Full year
  • AP : Autumn and Spring terms
  • PS: Spring and Summer terms
  • AS: Autumn and Summer terms
Year 1 This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their thesis. View Biological Science - Research on our Module Directory


Assessment

The aim of undertaking your PhD within our School of Life Sciences is to train you to become independent researchers who can critically assess research work, and who have a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology. Our PhD programme is usually three to four years duration and all our students are initially registered as MPhil students, then transfer to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress.


Dissertation

Within our School of Life Sciences, you attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year, where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members. At these meetings, the documents are discussed with you and your progress is assessed. We encourage PhD students to submit within three years and certainly expect completion of PhDs within a four-year period.
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About University
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University of Essex


Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.


Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

    Student Support:

    A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

    Careers and Employability:

    The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

    Essex Sport:

    A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

    Faith:

    The university provides support for students of all faiths.

    Cost of Living Support:

    The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Strong Academic Reputation:

    The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

    Excellent Research:

    The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

    Diverse and Inclusive Community:

    The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

    Excellent Student Support:

    The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

    Beautiful Campus:

    The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

    Postgraduate Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

    Short Courses and CPD:

    The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.

Total programs
2292
Average ranking globally
#447
Average ranking in the country
#39
Admission Requirements

UK entry requirements

You will need a good honours degree or a Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.
A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept.
Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
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