Plant Sciences

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.

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.

As a graduate student you will be embedded in the research groups of one or more members of academic staff who act as your supervisors and provide the bulk of the research guidance and training.

Alongside your research work, you will receive a number of training courses 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. All students undertake this training as a cohort so you will gain the benefit of working with your year group from across the department.

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 supported by prizes for the best graduate research seminar and poster.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in biological sciences or a related subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to 1,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships