Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD

What you will study

Our PhD is research-based, so you’ll spend most of your time developing a research question, conducting original research, analysing your results and writing up your research findings, all under the guidance of your project supervisors.

Examples of current PhD student projects include:

• Disentangling the role of Ascaris β-tubulin isotypes in the emergence of anthelmintic resistance
• Rabies epidemiology and control
• The role of the microbiome and circulating endothelial cells in the pathobiology of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV).

Depending on the nature of your research project, you might do computational analysis work at a desk, or experimental work in a laboratory, a clinic or in the field, or a combination of these.

You can work on your project on-site at the School of Veterinary Medicine or, depending on your research, at another facility in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. If you work from a collaborating institution, you’ll need to come to the University of Surrey periodically to attend training sessions, examinations and meet your supervisors.

Partnerships

Reflecting the variety of roles that veterinarians play in society, we are proud to collaborate with a range of partners, including:

• Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
• Fitzpatrick Referrals
• Liphook Equine Hospital
• Marwell Wildlife
• The Pirbright Institute
• Surrey Wildlife Trust
• The Westpoint Veterinary Group
• UK Health Security Agency.

Assessment

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners.

You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

You’ll have a confirmation assessment to formally review your project. If you're a full-time student, this will take place around 9–15 months into your studies or 18–30 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.

Location

This course is based at Manor Park campus. Manor Park is home to the School of Veterinary Medicine, plus Surrey Sports Park and Manor Park halls of residence.

VSM Building, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL.

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6 in each individual category.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.