Postgraduate Research
Studentship Information
Application Procedure & Entrance Requirements

Students register for a 3-year PhD programme which they can enter on one of four dates during the year (October / January / April / July). Prospective PhD students are required to complete an application form. All applicants for a place on the MPhil/PhD degree schemes will be interviewed (special arrangements - e.g. telephone interviews - are made for overseas applicants).
If you wish to work with a particular staff member, or members of a specified research area, then you may indicate this on the form. There is competition for places and you need to hold a 2.1 or 1st class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. There is a minimum English language requirement for overseas students of an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 600 (250 for the computer based test or an overall score of 90 or above in the internet-based test). Normally prospective students would be invited for interview, and if successful, 2 supervisors will be appointed for each student.
We are currently seeking to fill a number of PhD Studentships for the 2010/11 intake.
Funding
PhD Studentships in the School are currently funded from several sources including the Research Councils, Industry, Charities or the School itself. These Studentships provide a minimum tax-free stipend of ~£13k / annum. The budget for laboratory expenses may come from the same source as the stipend, or alternative sources.
Research area: The School has a diverse research portfolio and range of research facilities. Research interests embrace a number of themes developed across four disciplines.
Programme Details
Your PhD programme is overseen by Dr Emma Kidd, the Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, supported by Mrs Lynne Terrett, Research Student Administrator and Mrs Wendy Davies, Research Administrator and PGR Admissions.
There are a number of procedures to follow throughout the programme. Each student is required to construct a short research plan within one week of their arrival. After 6 months each student submits a progress report and completes a self-assessment form. The supervisors also complete a student Assessment and Report form. This procedure is repeated at 11, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months. At 12 and 24 months each student is required to have a viva voce examination with an Academic member of staff who is not their supervisor. Success at the 12 month or 24 month viva voce is necessary for progression to occur.
Each student gives a poster (2nd year) and oral presentation (3rd year) of their work at the Postgraduate Research Day held annually within the School.
The School is committed to delivering appropriate training to PhD students through its Skills Development Programme. There is a three tier system where courses and lectures are delivered within either the University Graduate Centre or the University Graduate Schools (e.g. Biomedical and Life Sciences) or the training programme in the School. Elements of this latter programme are compulsory.
The weekly School Research Seminar Programme is also compulsory. Many other training opportunities exist to provide a stimulating environment within the School and more generally the University.
Additional Information
There is a School Postgraduate Student/Staff Panel which meets on a regular basis, and a Welsh School of Pharmacy Postgraduate Society with an active programme of academic and social activities.
