We provide research training and skills development specifically related to conducting research into rural areas, the environment and food markets. We are recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as providing a 1+3 programme, which is a four year award with a research training Master's in the first year followed by a PhD through the Northern Ireland and North East ‘NINE’ Doctoral Training Partnership.

You will study alongside students and staff in our Centre for Rural Economy, which specialises in interdisciplinary social science, researching rural development and policy, food and society and the wellbeing of rural communities. You will also undertake a postgraduate research training programme in our purpose-built Doctoral Training Suite, with facilities for lectures, workshops, seminars and computer access to specialist software required for research in the social sciences and the humanities.

Through studying on our course you will:

• identify your own research topic
• specialise and develop skills specific to your research
• learn research practice fundamentals
• understand research principles, data handling and analysis

You take compulsory modules and optional modules, and complete a dissertation, which could be a desk-based analysis, or a study involving fieldwork or case studies.

You will be encouraged to participate fully in our research culture by organising and attending seminars and reading groups and contributing to research meetings.

Our staff

You will benefit from being taught by lecturers who are industry experienced and research active. You can find out more about our research at the Centre for Rural Economy

 The Degree Programme Director is Dr Menelaos Gkartzios. Menelaos’ research interests include:

• rural mobilities, migration and counterurbanisation
• spatial planning and governance
• rural housing, planning and architectural studies
• international comparative research

Module changes

Module changes

Modules change annually to take account of:

• changing staff expertise
• developments in the discipline
• the requirements of external bodies and partners
• student feedback.

Most module information for 2020 entry will be available from the end of May 2020.

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

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2019 and 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. 

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course, but due to demand we suggest you apply early. 

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.

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