Plant Sciences DPhil

About the course

The DPhil in Plant Sciences allows graduates to undertake both fundamental and applied research in topics across the breadth of plant science. You will gain a wide range of research skills as well as in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen field of research. At the end of this course you will have developed the skills needed for independent critical enquiry and made a significant contribution to understanding in the specific area of investigation.

As a graduate student you will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisor(s) and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. The vast majority of your time will, therefore, be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities in either the laboratory or field locations, depending on the precise nature of your project. Alongside your research work, you will have the opportunity to attend a range of short training courses (mainly in your first and second years) designed to develop skills you will need as a scientist and more general transferable skills. These include courses on critical analysis of the literature, scientific writing, presentation skills, as well as foundation courses in plant biodiversity, bioinformatics and statistics, if appropriate. Such training courses are expected to take up no more than 10% of your time.

The department has a friendly and vibrant graduate community which provides a welcoming network to new students. The graduate student community offers a supportive environment, both social and scientific, allowing new graduates to develop into well-rounded and confident scientists. Graduates are a valued part of the department’s research community and their work is showcased annually at the departmental Graduate Symposium.

Assessment

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of four terms of study you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require you to present a convincing research proposal, demonstrate satisfactory progress in its development, and show that the work you are conducting is of an acceptable scientific standard. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within nine terms of admission, to show that work continues to be on track.

Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination.

Graduate destinations

100% of alumni from the DPhil in Plant Sciences are employed, across a wide range of sectors, with 60% working in academic research positions. The department retains contact with its alumni to find out what they have gone on to do after completing their course.

Past students from the Department of Plant Sciences have gone on to careers both in the UK and other countries in teaching and research in schools, universities, policy for government departments, industry, and administration at local and national levels.