university of edinburgh phd supervisors

• Schools & departments

Postgraduate research supervisors & examiners

Information and guidance for staff who supervise and examine postgraduate research students.

Fundamentals of PhD Supervision

Fundamentals of PhD Supervision is an online course that has been developed by the Institute for Academic Development in consultation with the Doctoral College and relevant staff in Colleges and Support Services.

Fundamentals of PhD Examination

Fundamentals of PhD Examination is an online resource developed by the Institute for Academic Development in consultation with the Doctoral College and relevant staff in Colleges and Support Services.

Course list and booking

Our workshops for University of Edinburgh academic staff who supervise research. Information on how to locate and book them in the People and Money Learning App.

Codes & regulations

Links to relevant codes and regulations and College pages for postgraduate researchers and supervisors.

Resources and tools

A range of resources and tools which may be useful for staff who supervise research students.

Events, workshops and activities

Events, supervisor discussion groups, and practical workshops.

Contact details

Our dedicated email address to contact us about IAD research supervision support.

This article was published on 2024-02-26

• Schools & departments

What is the Doctoral College?

The University of Edinburgh Doctoral College is a coordinating structure for all postgraduate researchers, supervisors and relevant staff at the university, designed to enhance and support the postgraduate student experience. 

For information and resources for research staff, please see the Research Staff Pages:   https://www.ed.ac.uk/researchers

A Doctoral College Welcome Event for all Postgraduate Researchers was held on 12th September 2023. A recording of this event is available to watch here -  https://edin.ac/3PIYbYv 

A Town Hall Event for all Postgraduate Researchers ran on the 23rd January 2024 - A recording of this event is available to watch here - Recording

PhD stories

Our extraordinary PhD students come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. In this collection of short videos, some of them share their experiences -   PhD Stories

Vision and strategy

The purpose of the Doctoral College, our vision and strategic objectives.

People and structure

About the Doctoral College leadership and management structure, and the wider Doctoral College team.

Personal and professional development and training

Information about professional, careers and personal development training and opportunities for  UoE   PGR  students.

Wellbeing, community and representation

Information on student representation, wellbeing services and opportunities for engagement.

Support for PGR supervision

Information and guidance for staff who supervise research students.

Doctoral training centres

Information on funded PhD training programmes and support for directors and administrators of these programmes.

Essential information for postgraduate researchers

Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students (PDF)

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - PGR pages

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine - PGR pages

College of Science and Engineering  (EASE log in required)

Information for prospective postgraduate research students

New student pages

Postgraduate study degree finder

This article was published on 2023-12-07

Case Studies

Institute for Academic Development

Support for PhD Supervisors

The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) runs a coordinated series of events and briefings for PhD supervisors.

What was done

The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) at The University of Edinburgh holds responsibility for running a coordinated series of events and briefings for PhD supervisors. This comprises compulsory briefings at College level for new and existing supervisors complemented by optional events and briefings at University and School levels. All PhD supervisors at the University are expected to attend a supervisor briefing event once every 5 years.

These briefings and events have evolved over the past 8 years and now offer supervisors at all levels of experience a range of relevant support. A major review of the provision was undertaken in 2011 focussing on feedback from participants and presenters. This highlighted areas of good practice and helped clarify potential areas for further development and consolidation.

Compulsory supervisor support briefings follow a similar format for both new and experienced supervisors. These aim to combine presentation of ‘hard’ information such as university regulations and developments in external policy with the opportunity for sharing of practice and discussion of how to overcome potential challenges. New supervisor briefings give an overview of university regulations, policies and procedures and support for their role. They also use case studies of potential supervisory challenges to promote interaction and discussion by participants. More experienced supervisors are offered a supervisor update which covers new developments in research supervision and the implication of changes for their role. This is coupled with an opportunity to share and discuss experiences of supervision.

Optional supervisor events build on the compulsory briefings and offer tailored support in themed areas such as supervising international students, recruitment and funding postgraduate students. These events are facilitated by appropriate support services across the university such as the International Office and the Scholarships Office. The IAD also supports individual Schools in running events on specific local topics of relevance. To complement the more practical elements of PhD supervision, the IAD also offers a half day course which focuses on the ‘soft’ skills required to help supervisors motivate and inspire their students and maintain a productive working relationship.

Some of the benefits of this approach are as follows:

• It offers a coordinated approach to supervisor support which recognises and employs the expertise of stakeholders across the university, at institutional, College and School level.
• It facilitates the sharing of practice and encourages interaction by supervisors in the process.
• It places the supervisor role in the wider context of policy and agendas impacting the research environment.

In 2011 the IAD conducted a full review of the support provision for supervisors. On the basis of feedback from presenters and participants, IAD has since made further enhancements to both compulsory and optional events and tailored them more specifically to the needs of supervisors. This has resulted in the current, more streamlined provision.

Examples of changes made on the basis of feedback

• The review highlighted that supervisors particularly welcomed the opportunity for discussion and interaction at the compulsory briefings but felt that the case studies used were too long and unrealistic. As a result of this feedback, IAD has since replaced the longer case studies with more focused, shorter vignettes. This has allowed for greater flexibility and discussion of challenges linked to real life examples.
• Although the opportunity to share practice with colleagues was highlighted as a positive element of supervisor briefings, participants felt that this could be enhanced by differing content in briefings for new and experienced supervisors. This has now been implemented.
• The review underlined the importance supervisors placed upon exploring other elements of PhD supervision, beyond the day-to-day work of supervision. They were keen to access specific information on themes such as funding and supervising international students. On this basis relevant stakeholders at the University have been engaged in providing this support through a variety of optional events for supervisors. These events are usually very well attended.

Scalability

The PhD supervisor support at the University of Edinburgh has potential for expansion within the home institution, particularly through expansion of the portfolio of themed briefings. There is also scope for enhancement of local provision at School level.

This practice would be transferable to a different university, particularly as it has limited cost implications. Examples of good practice, such as the focus on interaction and use of real life case studies could be implemented at another institution.

Further information

Resources / files.

School of Engineering

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Study for a PhD

A PhD degree from Edinburgh is your chance to connect with internationally renowned researchers and innovators, with a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe's leading universities in one of the world's most iconic cities.

We carry out world class research and provide high quality training in research for both students and postdoctoral researchers.

Our world-leading research is conducted through our seven Research Institutes . These span across and connect between our core disciplines of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Electronics & Electrical Engineering.

You will carry out independent research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, guided by your supervisor. You will submit a thesis and defend it in an assessed oral exam.

Alongside this research, all our researchers follow a comprehensive training programme that is an integral part of our research degrees. You will gain skills that will equip you for a wide range of future careers beyond your specialist research project. These will serve you for the rest of life, making you a more confident and knowledgeable person, and equipping you in both technical and soft skills. You can find additional information on our training and support here: https://edin.ac/3f7KyhE . This includes a link to the current handbook for postgraduate research students in the School of Engineering.

The School of Engineering has an active research community. PhD students present at research seminars in their research institutes, and attend talks by visiting speakers. Our Engineering Graduate Society organises networking, training, and social events across the School.

We have a very wide range of high-quality engineering facilities, including specialised test laboratories, fabrication workshops, and computing resources. Information on these facilities can be found on our research web pages .

Our graduates are amongst the most highly sought-after candidates for academic, commercial or consulting positions, entering careers around the world. The majority of our research graduates enter the engineering profession in a wide range of fields, including automotive, bioengineering, communications, medical imaging, engineering consultancy, fire safety, renewable energy, chemical processing, oil and gas, fast moving consumable goods, high-technology and the semiconductor industry.  Other graduates from our programmes continue to further research including postdoctoral fellowships, lecturing roles and research contracts in universities and research institutes.

Funding Required

• Tuition fees : All students pay tuition fees. Further information on the fee rates for Home, EU, and International students can be found here: Full time fees and Part time fees
• Research costs:  "Additional programme costs" are in addition to the tuition fees, and include the costs of carrying out research project, such as the costs of laboratory and experimental work, software licenses, or travel costs. The costs of research depend upon the nature of the research project.   Further information .
• Living Expenses / Stipend:  The University gives information on living costs in Edinburgh, which will be a substantial commitment: Latest estimates of living expenses .

Scholarships Available

The School of Engineering offers several scholarships for excellent students. The deadlines for scholarships applications are early in each year. Please view our scholarship options .

Academic Grades

You will need a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in your first degree, which must be in a relevant subject.

A good MSc result, relevant work experience, or some other exceptional achievement will be considered for applicants who do not meet this requirement.

English language requirements

Information on our English language requirements can be found on the Engineering PhD degree finder page , with additional information for International applicants given on this web page .  Please note that our English language requirement cannot be waived.

Before applying for a PhD, you should look at our research pages  to help identify the field of research that you would be interested in studying.

Our list of Current PhD Opportunites gives several possible research projects, but it is not exhaustive, and you should contact a member of our academic staff to see whether they would be able to supervise your research.

Before you Apply

Before applying for a PhD in Engineering you should:

• Identify a possible academic supervisor working in the area that you would like to carry out research. You can find information on our academic staff on our research web pages , or view our list of PhD Opportunities .
• Check that you meet the entry requirements and that you have degree certificates and transcripts for your application.
• Established how you will fund your PhD: Funding and Scholarships

To apply for a PhD you will need the following documents:

• Degree certificates, transcripts, and evidence of meeting our English language requirements (as appropriate).
• Two references on official letterheads, with signatures.
• A  Research Proposal , which should be in your words even if your are applying an advertised project. This helps evaluate your writing skills and research ideas. It can help with both assessing your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision. It should be no more than 2 A4 pages.

​Potential students in all of our engineering disciplines and all of our research institutes should apply for our  PhD in Engineering  programme.  Apply here using the University's online application system .

Additional information for PhD applicants (and for our EngD, MPhil, MScR or visiting student programmes) can be found in these two documents:

• Additional information for postgraduate research students
• Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (School of Engineering)

Part-time Study

A small number of our students study part-time. This must, however, be discussed with your potential supervisor, as whether this is possible will depend upon the nature of the research project. As a part-time student you would be required to spend 50% of your time on your PhD and you are expected to be in the University 50% of your time. It is consequently not possible to pursue a part-time PhD in addition to full-time employment.

Distance Learning

Our PhD students usually study here in the University of Edinburgh, where they benefit from the research community, expert networks, training and activities that are an integral part of a PhD. It is occasionally appropriate to study remotely, for example, to make use of research facilities that are uniquely available at a different location. Distance learning requires careful planning and the arrangements need to be agreed in advance, to ensure adequate supervision, training, and opportunities to engage with our research community. Please discuss a possible distance learning proposal with an academic supervisor before applying.

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

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• Optimization and Operational Research

The Optimization and Operational Research PhD programme and areas with opportunity for research

The School offers a PhD Programme in Optimization and Operational Research. From the start of their studies, PhD students are assigned a main supervisor with whom they work closely throughout their degree programme and a second supervisor who provides additional help and pastoral support.  See poster

Why Study  Optimization and Operational Research  in Edinburgh

Funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, application process and further information, research opportunities, computational optimization and applications.

The Optimization and OR group in the School of Mathematics possesses world leading expertise in the solution of very large scale continuous and mixed-integer linear, and continuous quadratic optimization problems. The group has been awarded several EPSRC-funded research projects devoted to developing core optimization methods that led to the development of world class solvers for linear programming using the interior point method. At the UK level, the group has unmatched competences in developing theory and software for solving huge scale problems.  Amongst open source systems, the performance of the group's mixed-integer linear opimization software system, HiGHS, is the best in the world.

People:  Miguel Anjos, Skarleth Carrales Escobedo, Sergio Garcia Quiles, Jacek Gondzio, Andreas Grothey, Akshay Gupte, Julian Hall, Joerg Kalcsics, Ken McKinnon, John Pearson, Lars Schewe, E. Alper Yıldırım

Continuous Optimization 

The Optimization and OR group in the School of Mathematics has extensive expertise and experience in modelling optimization problems arising from various applications, developing and implementing problem-specific algorithms, and utilising decomposition methods, interiorpoint methods, advanced numerical linear algebra tools such as preconditioners, and highperformance computing approaches for solving challenging and large-scale optimization problems. In addition, the group is actively involved in general-purpose optimization software development. The research expertise in the group encompasses several facets of continuous optimization, including linear, quadratic, nonlinear, convex, nonconvex, global, PDE-constrained, and stochastic optimization. The research experience includes the development and application of OR methodology for solving optimization problems arising from diverse applications such as data science, energy systems, truss topology design, finance, and wireless networks. In addition, the group members have secured extensive external funding from funding agencies and has strong industrial collaborations.

People:  Miguel Anjos, Skarleth Carrales Escobedo, Jacek Gondzio, Andreas Grothey, Julian Hall, Ken McKinnon, John Pearson, E. Alper Yıldırım

Decision Making under Uncertainty

The Optimization and OR group of the School of Mathematics has extensive experience in modelling, analyzing and optimizing real-world problems involving uncertainty. Our group is also one of the leading research groups in the world developing methods to solve the resulting huge scale stochastic optimization problems efficiently, and our members has been funded for various projects by EPSRC and other external organizations to develop fast solution methods for these problems. The research interests of our members also include Gaussian process emulation and Bayesian decision analysis. Our members have actively collaborated with organizations from a wide-variety of sectors, including but not limited to government, service, energy, aviation and telecommunication. The group has strong ties with leading research groups at Heriot-Watt University and London Business School.

People:  Merve Bodur, Burak Buke, Chris Dent, Jacek Gondzio, Andreas Grothey, Akshay Gupte, Ken McKinnon, Lars Schewe

Future Energy Networks

The Optimization and OR group of the School of Mathematics can provide both domain expertise in the modelling and optimization of energy networks, particularly electric and gas networks, as well as the methodological expertise to solve the resulting optimization models in practical applications. The group collaborates with energy researchers across the university via the Energy@Edinburgh initiative. At UK national level members of the group are part of the EPSRC-funded National Centre for Energy Systems Integration. Additionally, our members have led or been involved in numerous other externally funded projects involving the development and application of OR techniques to energy problems. The members of the group have a wide range of experience in modelling different systems’ energy markets, and in optimizing energy networks of different sizes from small-scale local smart grids to national and continental networks. There is also specialist expertise in calibration of large-scale computer models, and in probabilistic security of supply risk modelling.

People:  Miguel Anjos, Chris Dent, Andreas Grothey, Ken McKinnon, Lars Schewe

Integer and Combinatorial Optimization

The Optimization and OR group in the School of Mathematics has broad expertise in the modelling and solving of integer and combinatorial optimization problems. Members of the group have had public and private funding, including EPSRC, to work on logistics problems, aircraft cockpit design problems, energy problems, and portfolio optimization problems. Members of the group have worked on both the theory and application of integer and combinatorial optimization: On the theoretical side, the group has experience in cutting plane methods, convexification techniques, and the construction of efficient algorithms both to obtain exact and heuristic solutions. Here, the group has focussed both on mixed-integer linear but also on mixed-integer nonlinear programs. As for applications, the portfolio of the group includes energy, logistics (facility location, network design, supply chain, districting), and healthcare applications (junior doctor allocation, kidney exchange).

People:  Miguel Anjos, Merve Bodur, Sergio Garcia Quiles, Andreas Grothey, Akshay Gupte, Joerg Kalcsics, Lars Schewe

Recent projects

Recently completed PhD projects include

• Solution Methods for Some Variants of the Vehicle Routing Problem

Optimal Coordination of Multiple Price-Maker Electricity Storage Units for Price Arbitrage

Optimizing Heating and Cooling of Smart Buildings

Regularized Interior-Point Methods for Convex Programming

Pre-trained Solution Methods for Unit Commitment

Multi-Period Sales Districting Problem

Efficient Algorithms for Solving p-Median Problems with Radius Constraints and Its Application to Clustering with Feature Selection

Graduate testimonials

I joined the University of Edinburgh as an MSc student in Operational Research, and the following year I started my PhD research working on routing problems. The School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh has given me an opportunity to be part of an excellent community, build a wide network of brilliant friends and colleagues, and gain research and teaching experience that has been invaluable for my career.

Supervisor: Sergio Garcia Quiles

Current Position: Operational Research and Optimization Analyst, Edinburgh Airport

The University of Edinburgh is a great place to do research. During my PhD I had the chance to work not only with people from the University but with researchers at other institutions, both in academia and in industry. Attending summer schools and conferences was an integral part of the programme, and a great way to find out about new or interesting ideas closely related to my research topic. I really enjoyed the social environment too. There are always plenty of events and activities going on inside the University, and a great deal of university clubs. The city is quite lively too and offers great landscapes for outdoor activities.

Supervisor:  Chris Dent

Current Position:  Data Scientist, Lynceus.ai

  I studied my PhD in Optimization at the School of Mathematics of the University of Edinburgh, under the supervision of Prof. Jacek Gondzio and the co-supervision of Prof. John Pearson.  I worked on solution methods for convex optimization problems with applications in operational research and data science. During my studies, I had the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field of optimization both within and outside the UoE, which resulted in several successful publications in top peer-reviewed journals in the field. At the same time, I was able to travel around the world, attending major and local conferences, and expanding my research network. Studying Optimization at the School of Mathematics of the University of Edinburgh has been an invaluable experience and played a significant role in my subsequent career development. After defending my thesis, I received an offer to pursue postdoctoral studies in stochastic optimization at the electrical engineering department of Yale University. Upon the completion of my postdoctoral studies, I was offered a lectureship position in mathematics at the University of Dundee.

Supervisor:   Jacek Gondzio

Current Position:  Lecturer in Mathematics, University of Dundee

I first joined University of Edinburgh for a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics. I liked the School of Mathematics and the city of Edinburgh so much, that I completed the MSc in Operational Research with Computational Optimization and, later, a PhD in Optimization in the School of Mathematics. My time as a PhD student resulted in the creation of HiGHS, the world's best open-source software for solving large-scale linear and mixed integer programming problems. As a result, I'm happily employed in the School as the HiGHS Development and Integration manager.

Supervisor:   Julian Hall

Current Position:  HiGHS Development and Integration Manager , University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh was an ideal place to study as a PhD student. The school has one of the largest research groups in the field, and as a member of the group, you would have opportunities to interact with a number of leading researchers on a daily basis. Outside of the research, you would find an amazing environment: an international, vibrant city and a supportive, welcoming community. I highly recommend the PhD program at the University of Edinburgh.

Supervisor:   Andreas Grothey

Current Position:  Postdoctoral Researcher, CIRRELT, University of Montreal

Doing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh has been a thrilling and very rewarding experience. During the first year, thanks to being part of a Centre for Doctoral Training, I was given the opportunity to explore new interests in mathematics. This led to changing my original plans, which resulted in doing a PhD in Optimization and Operations Research, with applications to power systems and the energy transition. This is an area I continue to find exciting nowadays, and where I do most of my research work. During my time as a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, I participated in many local seminars, conferences, and courses. Being able to engage with many excellent researchers, close enough to my topics of interest, significantly enhanced my learning and improved the quality of my research. In such quality, variety, and quantity, these opportunities are not present at many universities. I would like to make a special mention to my PhD supervisors, with whom I enjoyed working with, from whom I learned a lot, and were always supportive. Finally, many other PhD students in the School were also crucial for successfully completing my PhD, since I enjoyed collaborating and doing research activities with them, learning together, and having fun with and without research

Supervisor:   Miguel F. Anjos

Current Position:  Postdoctoral Researcher, Polytechnic University of Catalonia

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PhD with Integrated Study in Accounting programme overview

Find out more about the learning outcomes for the PhD with Integrated Study in Accounting, and the training and development courses available to you as a student.

We are currently delivering hybrid teaching during the 2021/22 academic year due to Covid-19 restrictions. We will continue to update you on the teaching you can expect when you start your degree in 2022.

Learning outcomes

By successfully completing our PhD with Integrated Study in Accounting, you will be able to:

• Produce an original piece of work which makes a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, the field of accounting
• Demonstrate an exceptional knowledge of the field of accounting and relevant literature
• Present the results of your research in a critical and scholarly way
• Produce material worthy of publication

Training and development

Our doctoral students work closely with their supervisory team, and are offered top-level training opportunities throughout their studies.

Research towards a PhD in with Integrated Study Accounting is underpinned and supported by our doctoral training programme. A large number of seminars and workshops delivered by eminent experts from around the world will be available throughout the year, providing ample opportunity for advanced learning and networking.

During your first year of study you will undertake 180 credits of taught courses to build your research skills and the knowledge required for your area of study.

You will be guided by your supervisors and the Research Support Office on which courses are most appropriate, and how to join.

Full programme details can be found on the University degree programme tables website.

PhD with Integrated Study in Accounting degree programme table

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School of Social and Political Science

Phd sociology, introduction.

The deadline to apply for September 2024 entry is Monday 1 July 2024.

We welcome applications for PhD study in Sociology

Edinburgh is one of the leading international centres of excellence for postgraduate study in sociology. Our PhD degree is eligible for Economic and Social Research Council funding for UK and EU students, but our postgraduate research students come from all over the world and we have a vibrant and diverse postgraduate student community, which plays a full role in the life of the department. Many of our students have non-sociology backgrounds and bring with them experience and expertise from other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Whatever your background, you will thrive at Edinburgh.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Postgraduate Admissions Advisor (Research) [email protected] to discuss their research proposals and the availability of appropriate research supervision, using the email address on the right-hand side of the page.

Questions about eligibility, conditions of entrance, and other aspects of the application and scholarship process should be addressed to [email protected]

Our PhD programme accommodates a great variety of work intellectually and methodologically. We have particular research strengths in the areas of:

• digital sociology
• finance and economic sociology
• environment and energy
• nationalism and political action
• race and decolonisation

But this list does not do full justice to the breadth of work undertaken by our PhD researchers. This work also includes a variety of research approaches, and our staff are equipped to supervise advanced quantitative analysis; digital research; qualitative and ethnographic methods; documentary analysis (including historical and biographical approaches); and mixed methods.

We play a leading role in large methodological initiatives hosted at Edinburgh, including one of the key UK units of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods and the Applied Quantitative Methods Network ( AQMEN ), as well as the University's Centres for Research on Families and Relationships ,  South Asian Studies  and Canadian Studies .

Our staff are also highly diverse in their origins and the geographical scope of their expertise. We do research covering the UK and other parts of Europe; the Americas (including Latin America); Africa; and across the Middle East, South and East Asia (including China). The work of our PhD researchers also reflects this geographical diversity. 

We provide the necessary training and guidance to support your PhD research and develop your scholarly potential while also equipping you with wider skills, knowledge and experience as the basis for a career within or outside academia. 

PhD researchers in Sociology are allocated a supervisor and a co-supervisor, who advise on the entirety of the research process, from reading and assembling ideas, fieldwork, analysing empirical or theoretical materials, writing up chapters, completing the thesis, and the viva examination which rounds off the process. You are encouraged to contact staff with similar interests to yours and discuss ideas prior to application.

In your first year, you will participate in the Sociology Postgraduate Research Seminar, which runs throughout the academic year. As well as having a cohort- and community-building purpose, this will equip you with the scholarly skills necessary to succeed in your studies and research. It concludes with a research conference in which first year PhD students play a leading role.

You are also expected in your first year to follow the research training courses most appropriate for your proposed methods, and to develop your knowledge of relevant literature and your research design, culminating in submission of a full research proposal 9-12 months after commencement of studies. Subsequent years of the PhD are devoted to research, data analysis and writing of the thesis, alongside any further specific or general training you require or choose to follow. Typically, there are also opportunities for paid teaching employment throughout. 

While we will consider any PhD topic for supervision, to help you identify potential supervisors you might review the key people under our key research themes to see if any of these match your interests. Here you can also find (via the Methods theme) some indication of our areas of particular methodological expertise. You can also review all the personal pages and interests of our academic staff .

Applying for this PhD

• Identify potential supervisors suited to your research interests
• Write a draft research proposal
• Contact the Postgraduate Advisor with your research proposal and list of potential supervisors
• Once discussed with the Postgraduate Advisor, formally submit your application on EUCLID

Postgraduate Advisor

Degree Programme Table: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (PhD) - 3 Years (Full-Time) (PRPHDDSCAI1F)

Year 1 academic year: 2020/21, starting in: september.

There are no compulsory courses in this year of this programme.

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A day in the life of a PhD student…

…by Nitara / from London, UK / studying Biological Sciences (PhD)

A realistic day in my life: my routine varies but a random day in March looked like this…

Today, I woke up at 9am-ish (later than usual, I promise) so I rushed in, grabbing a coffee and blueberry muffin on my way. I had to stop to take in the view.

Arrive at uni

Being part of the School of Biological Sciences, my desk is in Ashworth Laboratories in King’s Buildings. I spend 20 minutes catching up with friends in the common room and making my second coffee of the day to prepare myself to debug the code I’ve been working on.

I put my headphones on- starting off with Work Out by J Cole usually gets me hyped up. Right now, I’m working on simulating disease spread through animal social networks but have been stuck on a code issue. With quite a bit of reading and help from my supervisor, I solve the bug! Onto the next hurdle..

Journal club

I take a break and go to WEG (Wild Evolution Group), a journal club where we share research and discuss papers. It’s really cool to be able to learn and chat about science with experts in the field in a relaxed and open environment. I often feel imposter syndrome but everyone is friendly and encourages students and staff of all levels to get involved.

I realise I forgot my lunch during my morning rush so I head to the Nucleus canteen and grab a vegan jerk hotdog with extra crispy onions on top- yum. It’s a sunny day so I eat outside.

Afternoon Hustle

In the afternoon, I have an online training course on Data Analysis in Python. I usually code in R but am trying to learn Python too so join the call from the comfort of my desk. After, I read a couple of new papers and prepare for a meeting I have next week. I make a to-do list for all the tasks I want to get done tomorrow.

Before I leave, I go for a meet up with BioPod, a science podcast society based at the university and we talk about potential episode ideas and I sign up to do some editing for a recently recorded interview.

I head home and get ready for my tuition class. To save for summer travels, I tutor on the side and today I have an hour of A/L biology class. I spend the rest of the evening baking! My first attempt at cinnamon buns are quite successful and I cover up any burnt bits with lots of icing. I made dhal, jackfruit curry and rice for dinner and switch on an episode of the new season of Drive to Survive on netflix.

Last minute plans

As I’m tucking into my after-dinner iced bun, a friend rings and says there’s a gig on at Stramash that looks good. Since it’s been a long week and I feel quite happy with the work I’ve got done, I decide to join. The band is doing reggae covers and I enjoy the atmosphere and music.

I get back and get ready for bed. I try to end the day by reading so I make a chamomile tea and curl up with a new book called ‘Hood Feminism’. I set my alarm for earlier and switch off the lights, looking forward to tomorrow!

Want to find out more?

Chat with Nitara

Posted by stories

27th May 2024

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Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision?

There is a shortage of those trained as counselor educators, a vital component of growing the mental health workforce in professional counseling. The need is clear.

• Multiple reports consistently rank Nevada 51st for youth mental health access. 
• Before the pandemic, only 40 percent of Nevada’s youth in need of mental health services received the help they needed. 
• According to the Office of Suicide Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth 8-17 years of age in 2020.
• With just over 1,000 school counselors in Nevada, the American School Counselor Association estimates a student-to-counselor ratio of 449:1 (their recommendation is 250:1).

This is why UNLV’s Department of Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services is working on plans for a new doctoral program in counselor education and supervision beginning in Fall 2024. The proposed program aspires to:

• Inform the counseling discipline through grant-funded research, especially in key shortage areas (e.g., addictions, school counseling), to expand our understanding and develop best practices in mental health
• Respond to the shortage of available counselor education and supervision doctoral programs, especially in the western region
• Address the shortage of mental health professionals in Nevada, including advanced professionals serving in administrative and leadership positions in schools, as well as mental health and other public health settings

Career Possibilities

If approved, graduates of this doctoral program will be prepared to work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers, and practitioners in academic and clinical settings. 

Program Structure

Students can enroll as part-time or full-time students. Full-time students may complete the program in three years, and part-time students will have a five-year program option. Only-full-time students are eligible for funding. 

Admissions Requirements

If approved, interested applicants must have earned (or will have earned by the time they enroll) a master’s degree from an accredited institution in counselor education, psychology, or other mental health-related field. Preference will be given to those who have graduated from a CACREP-accredited master’s program.

Financial Support

If approved, the program is prepared to offer seven graduate assistantships to admitted students. Graduate assistantships are 20 hours per week and include up to nine credits of in-state tuition per semester (and an out-of-state tuition waiver for the duration of the assistantship), and a $21,500 yearly stipend. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Assistant Handbook . 

Please add your information to our contact form . The department’s graduate coordinator, Heather Dahl-Jacinto , will be in touch to share the latest information and, if the program is approved, application instructions. 

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Postgraduate Research Opportunities

We have a vibrant PhD student community in Agriculture and Food Systems working across our research themes and in collaboration with many partners locally and globally.

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems offers an outstanding interdisciplinary research and training environment, with a global perspective, underpinned by first class facilities and research excellence. Our research students play a central role in this vibrant and collaborative community. Here we outline details of our PhD programme, and we very much hope you are able to join us for this next stage of your career.

Research profile

Our research and associated education and engagement are in two broad themes – Food System Transformation; and Healthy People, Healthy Planet - and especially the interactions between them ​​​​​. 

Our research

Improving the effectiveness and sustainability of agri-food systems is vital to tackling the challenges of global population growth, rapid urbanisation, food and environmental security, and diet and health. These challenges occur in low and middle income countries, as well as more industrialised nations. Achieving sustainable, healthy diets underpins many of the Sustainable Development Goals – especially those concerned with hunger, poverty, health, gender equality, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

We welcome applicants whose research interests are aligned to address one or more of these challenges, and who hold the potential to develop and translate scientific advances into policy and practice. Most of our research is interdisciplinary in its approach, and we collaborate with other Schools and groups across the University of Edinburgh, and with a wide range of national and international partners.

Our current specific expertise spans:

Nutrition and health of humans, livestock, crops and soils; environmental and agri-food systems; crop and livestock production systems; climate smart agriculture; agricultural and natural resource economics; development; data science and mathematical modelling; the science-policy interface; food and land rights and law.

We welcome applicants with interests in these areas. Please also see staff webpages for more details of potential supervisor research interests.

To begin an application, visit the programme information on the University's course finder webpages.

PhD Agriculture and Food Security

Programme structure

Study is by supervised research. Individual students are integrated within their supervisor’s group, the Global Academy and School, and 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. 

Training and support

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems provides a vibrant community and forum for development of ideas, collaboration, and dissemination of results, and an environment for training, development and mentoring of research students and early-career researchers.

Research projects are usually co-designed by students and supervisors, and guidance throughout the PhD is also offered by the student’s thesis committee. Training needs are identified by the thesis committee and will be both generic skills based and project specific.

The University’s Institute for Academic Development provides a range of training courses, resources and support for researchers including PhD students https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development/postgraduate/doctoral

There will also be the opportunity, where appropriate, to attend Global Academy MSc degree programme lectures and to make use of online learning materials.

There is also the opportunity for industry engagement or placements within the PhD programme.

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems has access to an impressive range of facilities and services across the University and is involved with a number of collaborative centres of research excellence locally, nationally and internationally. We are exceptionally well-equipped with the latest technologies to enable our researchers to stay at the forefront of their fields.

Career opportunities

A wide range of career paths will be available to our graduates depending on their area of research study, these include: researchers in academia or industry; policy advisors for government departments, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), charities or industry bodies; technical advisors; consultants; teachers; economists; marketing and management roles throughout the agri-food chain.

Funding for PhD study

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.

Our funded studentships are advertised on FindaPhD.com and on our webpage ( https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/applying/research/phds/phd-research-projects ). These include projects within the BBSRC Eastbio and NERC E4 doctoral training programmes, Jameel Observatory studentships, and University/School studentships. These studentships are usually advertised in October to December each year, for starting September the following year.

We welcome applicants who can identify their own source of funding, including scholarships and self-funding. Appling this way allows you to propose your own research project as part of your application and to contact a supervisor before you apply. You can apply this way at any time, and if accepted can start study at any time. If you wish to apply this way, please complete an online application via this webpage ( https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/applying ). As part of your application you are required to upload a brief research project proposal. Please ensure your project aligns with the research interests of our staff . We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/uk-eu/other-funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for funding: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/search-scholarships

Fees and costs

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2023/24 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2024/25 academic year will be published on 2 October 2023

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a related subject.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: 62 overall with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

(*Revised 17 November 2021 to add accepted PTE Academic qualifications.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must have been awarded no more than three and a half years ago at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Further information

For application process queries:.

Postgraduate Secretary, PG Research Team

Contact: [email protected]

For academic queries:

Professor Liz Baggs

Contact: [email protected]

Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

University of Edinburgh

Easter Bush

Programme: Agriculture and Food Security

School: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

College: Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Other postgraduate opportunities

PhD and MScR opportunities at the Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Proposed new programme

We would like to hear your views on potential new short courses and a Masters degree in Disease, Risk and Epidemiology.

Take survey