Newcastle University

Doctoral Programmes in Biology

Our degrees deal with animals, plants and microorganisms, at scales from biomolecules to the biosphere, and with the practical application of biological knowledge to improve the world. Students learn key skills required by professional biologists and by employers. There is a strong emphasis on practical work; we have well-equipped laboratories and students have access to a wide range of different habitats nearby, giving excellent opportunities for field work. Our teaching is strongly informed by the research we are doing, especially in the third year and at postgraduate level.

We publish in high quality journals (Science, Nature, PNAS, PLOS) work that has a direct impact on international policy. Ecology & Conservation: Providing an ecological evidence-base on which policy and management can build. Staff hold key scientific policy positions in national & international conservation. Microbiology: Internationally recognised scientists working on the taxonomy of micro-organisms and their function in a wide range of environments. Plant Sciences: Plant-insect interactions, the physiology & genetics of plants. The 3rd most globally cited scientist in GM crops works here.

Evolution, diversity and adaptation of microorganisms, Conservation, Improving plants’ ability to withstand abiotic and biotic stress

Year 1 provides a grounding in the fundamentals of biology with lectures, practicals and small-group tutorials, developing subject-related & transferable skills. Over 3 years, study becomes more specialised. Students are trained in statistics, experimental design, data analysis, the use of research literature & presentation skills. Students may take a week of subject-related experience with a local industry or organisation. In their 3rd year students apply what they have learnt in self-directed, research-based study, including a substantial individual field, laboratory & library based project.

full time

Ecological Consultancy: field techniques, scientific communication, data analysis & environmental impact assessment, plus a consultancy project with an industrial client. Industrial & Commercial Biotechnology: the uses of genetically modified microorganisms, animals and plants, with emphasis on hands-on experience & data analysis, including bioinformatics & a research project with industry. Wildlife Management: collaboration with the UK Animal & Plant Health Agency, training in policy & science implementation. Training & case studies focus on UK and EU policy. A major research project at APHA.

full time

Doctoral Programmes in Chemistry

The curriculum is designed and delivered by leading-edge research staff who provide quality teaching with valid and consistent assessment and timely feedback. The School boasts some of the best teaching laboratories in the UK and recently refurbished research laboratories. The School promotes a student-focussed approach to its learning and teaching and all staff have office hours whereby students can drop by without an appointment.

Multidisciplinary research covering synthesis, spectroscopy, theoretical, nanoscience and medicinal chemistry.

Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Nanoscience and Materials, Physical Chemistry, Synthesis Structure and Spectroscopy

The School of Chemistry offers the opportunity to spend a year overseas in Europe, the Far East, North or South America. This is ideal for students who want to gain experience in studying abroad, learn a second language and understand how different cultures view chemistry.

full time

Themes include drug design, metabolism and toxicology with an understanding of synthetic organic chemistry. Building on University research strengths, specialist topics include bio-imaging and modern approaches to chemotherapy. Students develop expertise in drug design as practised in the pharmaceutical industry and in academia.

full time

Doctoral Programmes in History

Newcastle’s degree programmes in History, Classics and Archaeology inspire students to think about the human past from a range of thematic and analytical perspectives. As a large multidisciplinary School, our specialisms include the Americas, Europe, Eurasia and the British Isles using ranging methods from literary criticism through archival research to archaeological science. Whilst embracing a global approach, our students also benefit from Newcastle’s historic setting with world-class Roman, medieval and industrial heritage on the doorstep of the campus.

Research in Newcastle University’s School of History, Classics and Archaeology embraces all periods of human history and prehistory, with a particular focus on the Americas, Europe, Eurasia and the British Isles. We use techniques ranging from literary criticism through archival research to archaeological science in order to explore new perspectives on the past. We are committed to promoting the value of cultural heritage to society in the present and future.

History, Classical Studies, Archaeology

Newcastle University offers a range of undergraduate degrees in History, Classics and Archaeology. As a large multidisciplinary school we offer a comprehensive and broad-ranging set of programmes, offering students flexibility to choose the options that fascinate them most. Our expertise spans centuries and continents, covering British and European history, the history of North and South America, and East Asia. Our programmes in Classical Studies include ancient history, literature and Greek and Latin language, whilst archaeology covers prehistoric, classical and historical periods.

full time

Newcastle University offers Masters degrees in History, Classical Studies and Archaeology. Study options range from ancient to modern history (including political, social, economic, cultural and medical history), ancient languages and literature, through to prehistoric, Classical and historical archaeology. Our specialisms include the Americas, Europe, Eurasia, and the British Isles. Training in research and professional skills prepares you for future work or research, which students put into action in their own dissertation research.

full time, part time

Doctoral Programmes in Mathematics

A distinctive feature of the School’s curriculum is the flexible structure, in which students can choose pathways which provide either in broad mathematical and statistical education throughout their programme of study, or a general mathematical and statistical background followed by more specialised study of chosen areas. The balance of modules chosen by a student, through optional choices in Stages 2 and 3 are reflected in the degree title awarded. Options to study non mathematical modules are also available. Some programmes are accredited with professional bodies.

We have active research collaborations with many groups worldwide and across the University. Our research is divided into 3 groups: Applied mathematics, Pure mathematics and Statistics. We also host part of the Joint Quantum Centre Durham–Newcastle. We attract funding from research councils, industry, government and charities. We have an active research culture in the School and participate in a range of seminars both internally and regionally. We have an active visitor programme with typically 30-50 international researchers spending time in the school each year.

Theoretical Physics, Cosmology, Astrophysics, Cold Atoms, Superfluids, Algebra, Analysis, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Bayesian Statistics

A distinctive feature of the School’s curriculum is the flexible structure, in which students can choose pathways which provide either in broad mathematical and statistical education throughout their programme of study, or a general mathematical and statistical background followed by more specialised study of chosen areas. The balance of modules chosen by a student, through optional choices in Stages 2 and 3 is reflected in the degree title awarded. Options to study non mathematical modules are also available. Some programmes are accredited with professional bodies.

full time