Duration : 3-4 years A PhD degree involves specialist study, postgraduate training and original and independent research on a specific topic under the supervision of academic members of staff in the school. Additional supervisors consisting of at least one other experienced member of staff (up to a maximum of three staff members) will also be carried out in the school or in collaboration with industrial partners, other university departments in Nottingham or other universities and private or publicly funded research institutes. In some cases students will spend time at international academic establishments or research institutes. Students undertaking the three-year PhD complete a structured training programme in the first year of study. Progression through the period of study is closely monitored through regular meetings with the students' supervisory committee and by reviews with an international progress committee in years one and two. There are significant advantages to using spontaneous disease in domesticated animals as models of human disease and, within the school, the impact of a number of genetic and environmental variables upon the domestic species are being investigated in an effort to enhance our understanding of the pathological processes that lead to morbidity and mortality in both animals and humans. The impact of the prenatal environment on long term postnatal development, physiology and pathology are linked to dietary and exercise regimes in the postnatal animal (Gardner). The effects of age, genetic background and exercise regime upon the cardiovascular system are being assessed in both horses and dogs (Bowen, Cobb). The impact of changes in the prenatal and postnatal environment on skeletal muscle growth, wasting and insulin sensitivity is being assessed (Loughna, Gardner, Rauch, Mobasheri) as is the role of environmental and nutritional factors in the development of vascular and orthopaedic diseases in the horse (Mobasheri).

Average starting salary and career progression In 2013, the average starting salary was £29,666 with the highest being £31,000. Availability for employment is not attainable due to a small sample size. Career prospects and employability Those who take up a postgraduate research opportunity with us will not only receive support in terms of close contact with supervisors and specific training related to your area of research, you will also benefit from dedicated careers advice from our Careers and Employability Service. Individual guidance appointments, career management training programme, access to resources and invitations to events including skills workshops and recruitment fairs are just some of the ways in which they can help you develop your full potential, whether you choose to continue within an academic setting or are looking at options outside of academia.