The NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is a research program that offers PhD opportunities in environmental sciences. The program is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and brings together a consortium of universities and research organizations to provide high-quality research training to students.
The DPhil program is a full-time research degree offered by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the NERC DTP. The program aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the environmental sciences and equip them with the skills necessary to conduct independent research in this field.
As part of the DPhil program, students will undertake a research project on a topic of their choice under the supervision of a team of academic experts. The research project will typically take three to four years to complete and will culminate in the submission of a thesis.
The DPhil program is open to students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including environmental sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Applicants should have a strong academic record and a passion for environmental research.
The NERC DTP DPhil program is an excellent opportunity for students to receive high-quality training in environmental sciences and contribute to cutting-edge research in this field.
Some of the key highlights of the NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) DPhil program in environmental research include:
Interdisciplinary Approach | The program encourages an interdisciplinary research approach, which means that students will be able to work with experts from a range of disciplines, including physical sciences, social sciences, and engineering. |
Access to World-Class Facilities | Students will have access to world-class facilities and resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories, field equipment, and computing facilities. |
Expert Supervision | Students will be supervised by a team of experts in their chosen field, who will provide guidance and support throughout their research project. |
Training and Development | The program provides comprehensive training and development opportunities to help students develop the skills necessary for successful research careers. This includes workshops, seminars, and training courses covering a range of topics, including research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication. |
Collaborative Research | The DTP fosters a collaborative research environment, where students will have the opportunity to work with other researchers and organizations on joint research projects. |
Industry Engagement | The program encourages engagement with industry partners, providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and develop connections with potential employers. |
Funding | The program provides full funding for tuition fees and a stipend to cover living expenses for the duration of the program, enabling students to focus on their research without financial worries. |
1 | Applicants should have a strong academic record, with a minimum of an upper second-class honors degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. |
2 | Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the English language. |
3 | The University of Oxford accepts various English language qualifications, including IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. |
The DPhil program is a full-time research degree that typically takes three to four years to complete. |
1 | The selection process for the program is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, research potential, and the fit of the candidate's research interests with those of the program. |
2 | Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may be conducted in person or online. |
Applications are submitted online through the University of Oxford graduate admissions portal. |
Applicants should prepare a research proposal outlining their research interests, research questions, and proposed methodology. |
This should be no more than 1,500 words in length. |
Applicants should also provide a personal statement, academic transcripts, and two academic references. |
1 | Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission from the University of Oxford, subject to meeting the academic and other requirements of the program. |
2 | Once admitted, students will be assigned a supervisor and will begin their research project. |
3 | The NERC DTP DPhil program in environmental research provides a highly competitive and rewarding opportunity for students to pursue independent research in the field. |
4 | Students will benefit from expert supervision, comprehensive training, and access to world-class facilities, enabling them to make significant contributions to environmental research. |
Applications for the NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) DPhil program in environmental research are submitted online through the University of Oxford graduate admissions portal. |
Applicants should prepare a research proposal outlining their research interests, research questions, and proposed methodology. This should be no more than 1,500 words in length. |
Applicants should also provide a personal statement, academic transcripts, and two academic references. |
The application fee for the program is £75 for online applications and £150 for paper applications. |
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Students admitted to the NERC DTP DPhil program receive full funding for tuition fees and a stipend to cover living expenses for the duration of the program. |
After completing the program, graduates can pursue a range of career opportunities in environmental research, including academic research positions, government research positions, and roles in the private sector. |
University of Oxford |
The University of Bristol |
The University of Southampton |
The University of Exeter |
PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.