Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and inter-disciplinary projects. Our staff have expertise and can offer supervision of projects across areas such as environmental microbiology, photosynthesis, plant productivity, ecology, and marine and environmental science.

As a research student at Essex, you’ll work at the heart of our internationally acknowledged and well-connected research community. We offer world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage you to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners, and research users, where possible for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses.

Assessment

The aim of undertaking your PhD within our School of Life Sciences is to train you to become independent researchers who can critically assess research work, and who have a comprehensive understanding of at least one area of biology.

Our PhD programme is usually three to four years duration, and all our students are initially registered as MPhil students, then transfer to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress.

Your future

Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others go on to work with industry, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and environmental agencies. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.