PhD Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Studies

A doctoral programme designed for future leaders in agriculture, animal, rural and environmental science. This interdisciplinary programme is rooted in our internationally recognised research, offering opportunities to contribute to critical global challenges such as food and nutrition security, one health, climate change, and efficient resource usage.

Locations: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Barony, Non Campus Specific
Study mode:
Subject area: Agriculture, Environment, Conservation and Sustainability, Animal and Biological Sciences
Start date: October 2025
Agency code: PHD1

Course overview

SRUC provides a high quality and world leading interdisciplinary research and training environment. Our doctoral candidates will have a range of training opportunities open to them as well as undertaking research. On completing the programme graduates will be well prepared for careers in both academia and industry including research and consultancy.

Study is by supervised research. Individual students are integrated within their supervisor’s department and faculty. You will participate fully in activities such as journal clubs, group meetings and seminar programmes.

You will be expected to complete a piece of original research, directed towards solving important, novel and open questions.

Depending on the field of study you are interested in, you may be able to apply for a pre-defined PhD project, or you may need to develop your own research idea.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to have at least one of the following:

an undergraduate degree, usually at 1st or 2:1 class level or equivalent in a relevant subject;

or
a relevant master’s qualification or equivalent evidence of prior professional practice

International students and candidates from non-English speaking countries will need to meet the minimum language requirements for admission onto a programme of study.

Test results must be less than two years old prior to admission. International students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in English may not be required to submit an English Language certificate – the International Compliance Lead can advise on this.

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to provide evidence of their written and spoken English abilities. SRUC will normally accept as evidence:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - 6.5 (with no score lower than 6.0 in any section
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language - 92 (with no score lower than 20 in each section)
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) - Grade C
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) - Grade B

What you'll learn

On successful completion of this programme students will be able to:

Conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, application or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, adjusting the project design in light of emergent issues and understandings
Contextualise, evaluate and apply the literature, theories, concepts, principles and practices within their field of research.
Integrate a significant range of professional skills, techniques and practices for research and advanced academic enquiry within their field.
Create and interpret new knowledge, understanding and practices through original research or other advanced scholarship.

Apply an integrated approach to evaluation and synthesis in making independent judgements on new and complex ideas, information and issues in their field.

Present and justify research findings at the appropriate level to a range of audiences, adapting communication to context and purpose, including at the standard of publishable academic work.

Embody the professional qualities of an academic researcher, being reflective, self-critical and evidence-based, including with respect to professional and personal aspirations

Training plan:

Introduction to Research at SRUC (core)
Research Practice Taster Sessions (core)
Research Integrity Training (core)
Enhancing Researcher Skills (elective)
SRUC Postgraduate Research Conference (core)

Specialist Research Skills Training (elective)
Opportunities to Participate in Research Events (elective)
SRUC Postgraduate Research Conference (core)

Thesis Planning (core)
Career Planning (core)
Research Funding (elective)
SRUC Postgraduate Research Conference (core)

PhD Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Studies

Course overview

Entry Requirements

What you'll learn

Training plan:

Year 1: Getting Started in Research

Year 2: Growing Researcher Skills

Year 3: Researcher Development

PhD Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Studies