PhD

The Royal Veterinary College produces outstanding graduates, who go on to work in some of the world’s leading scientific research institutes as well as within industry and government.

Our research programmes provide excellent training opportunities for both biological and veterinary graduates and address both basic and clinical problems in the biosciences, with applications in veterinary and human medicine. Research spans cell and molecular science, whole animal physiology and population medicine.

Our PhD programme is our investment in the future

With over 100 research-active staff at the RVC, the range of research topics is vast, extending from molecules to whole animals and animal populations. We focus on two main research streams:

• Comparative Physiology & Medicine - Our understanding of animal disease, together with the superb facilities at the RVC, means that we are well placed to contribute to the way in which human diseases are diagnosed and treated. The programme is led by Professor Dominic Wells.
• Livestock Production and Health - There is international recognition of the need for new approaches to meet the growing challenges of livestock production, and to control infectious diseases that threaten humans and animals. The programme is led by Professor Dirk Werling.

Together with their postgraduate students’ researchers are organised into six groups: musculoskeletal biology, immune regulation and cancer, cardiovascular metabolism, ecosystems health, host pathogen interactions and vaccinology, safe and sustainable food

Each research group provides the optimum environment for research with 10-20 researchers, led by senior members of our academic staff. As a PhD student you will undertake a specific piece of research work based within one of more of these research groups with the direction and support of two supervisors.

Career

A PhD from the RVC is highly regarded and recognised internationally. Our graduates have a track record of successful careers in government, research, industry and charities.

Your research, coupled with our skills development programme will equip you with a range of transferable skills such as project and time management, communication and analysis which will help to equip you for your future career.

Our graduates go on to enjoy a wide range of careers positions, including:

• Animal Welfare Consultant
• Lecturer
• Veterinary Surgeon
• Trainee Patent Attorney
• Research Fellow
• Companion Animal Epidemiologist
• Pathologist / Scientist
• Civil Servant
• Post-Doctoral Researcher
• Medical Information Specialist