Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Sciences at University of Cambridge

The Department of Plant Sciences is an outstanding University Centre for research in plant and microbial sciences.

Faculty: School of the Biological Sciences  |  Department: Department of Plant Sciences  |  Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: January 2027, April 2027, October 2027, January 2028, April 2028  |  Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The aim of PhD training is to develop a deep theoretical and practical understanding through research into aspects of Plant Sciences, augmented by appropriate lecture courses delivered within the department or, more generally, across the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences. Full-time PhD students must submit a thesis for examination by the end of their fourth year of study, although we encourage students and their supervisors to complete the thesis and submit it within the period of funding support, which, depending on the programme, may range from three to four years.

Career pathways

PhD candidates will also have a good grounding in the collation and organisation of research for reports or peer-reviewed papers, and so should be prepared either for a career in academia or more applied fields.

Official programme page