PhD Programme

With a range of expertise in applied research in sustainable agriculture, food chain security, agribusiness, agronomy, 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 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, 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 allowing you to interact with a large and subject-diverse postgraduate community

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
• Efficacy of farm swales in removing pesticides from surface water

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.