Crop science

Genes and physiological traits, such as:

• resistance to crop pests and diseases
• molecular-assisted selection and breeding methods
• plant environment interactions and their relationships to stress biology
• physiological basis of crop yield and quality
• biotransformation of synthetic compounds and natural products in plants
• herbicide selectivity in cereals and competing weeds

Soil science

• soil ecology and the contribution of soil biodiversity to soil quality
• soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics
• interpretation of soil and landscape processes to improve understanding of recent and historical environmental change
• land degradation processes and their control

Ecological (organic) agriculture

• functional biodiversity for control of pest, disease and weed pressure
• long term factorial systems comparison experiments for in depth study of different aspects of conventional and organic farming systems

Agricultural water management

• irrigated agriculture
• interactions between land-use and hydrological response in a semi-arid environment
• soil hydrological processes affecting management of salinity in irrigated land

Quality and Ranking

We rank in the top 150 for Agriculture and Forestry - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019

Delivery

Delivery

We offer a number of different routes to a research degree qualification, including full-time and part-time supervised research projects. We attract postgraduates via non-traditional routes, including mature students and part-time postgraduates undertaking study as part of their continuing professional development. Off-campus (split) research is also offered, which enables you to conduct trials in conditions appropriate to your research programme.

You will receive a tailored package of support from the University to ensure you maximise your research and future career. There are also opportunities to undertake your research at Newcastle within a Doctoral Training Centre, Centre for Doctoral Training or Doctoral Training Partnership.

Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme and Student Support

Our Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme is a community made up of postgraduates from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering.

It will help you to develop the skills and experience that the UK Research Councils expect you to have, or to develop, during your research degree.

Our programme will help you to:

• complete a training needs analysis, so that you know what your current skills are and where you need help and development
• use your training needs analysis to create your personal development plan
• identify appropriate workshops or other events that will help you most and best address your development needs
• gain the personal and professional key skills development for the successful completion of your research degree

Postgraduate Research Student Support

Our Research Student Support Team will provide support and advice throughout your studies. The team can help you on a variety of issues from registration to producing your transcripts.

Doctoral training centres and partnerships

Being part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) means that you can benefit from the research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics. You'll also be studying alongside a cohort of other PhD students.

These centres are often interdisciplinary, combining expertise and training from multiple subject areas. You may also be able to collaborate with an industrial or commercial organisation.

Your PhD will be funded. Normally the fees are covered and you'll receive a tax-free stipend or living expenses. Additional funding is sometimes available to cover things such as conference attendance and research materials.

The centres/ partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course. 

You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.

You should get in touch about our research degrees before you apply. 

You can apply for funded and non-funded PhD opportunities in Natural and Environmental Sciences. 

Interview

You'll be invited for an interview as part of the application process. The supervisor will arrange this with you.

Start dates

The course starts in September, but we consider January and April start dates on an individual basis. 

There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you live outside the UK/EU you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.