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Hear from our Admissions and Enquiries expert on what you can expect from your PhD and what the Postgraduate Research Service can help with...
Role: Postgraduate Research Admissions and Enquiries contact
Telephone: (+44) 1603 591709
"It’s safe to say that everyone’s PhD research and PhD experience is going to be different..."
The research areas investigated from student to student can be vastly different, often worlds apart, and studying for a PhD is hard work.
"Yes, it is hard work, but remember it’s also incredibly rewarding."
UEA offers a sense of community and a strong support system; you’re here to do the research and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The Postgraduate Research Service has two offices across the Norwich Research Park, you may not need to visit our offices very often but when you do you’ll find a friendly face and all the help that you need. Postgraduate research students (PGR) also have a number of designated areas across campus where you can study (study spaces in both schools and the library), relax (coffee shops and food places), or even let your hair down (bars, societies, and student union activities).
"The best way I can describe working on a PhD or research degree is that you’ll be treated as a colleague and a research peer rather than a student."
You’ll get to work closely with your supervisory team on your research plan, literature review, and your professional development training.
While the structure of your PhD can vary depending on your school and your research area, the basic elements remain the same. You’ll need to plan your research, study the literature to understand related work, carry out your own research, and analyse and write up your findings. Naturally, a historian’s research into Medieval England, for example, is going to be very different from a chemist’s research into nanoscience. During the entire duration of your degree you’ll still have the full support of your supervisory team and the PGR Service.
After your initial thesis submission (which I promise you we are just as excited about as you are), you’ll have your viva where you defend your thesis. The outcomes of the viva do vary, but the ultimate goal is to submit the final version of your thesis and to graduate as a Doctor of Philosophy!
A PhD is a bespoke, individual degree but rest assured the research and academic community at UEA provides a supportive and welcoming environment that you’ll be proud to belong to.
The Postgraduate Research Service is there when you have a question, whether it’s about financing your research degree or you need some information about writing your research proposal. You can email us or call us on (+44) 1603 59 1709.
If you would like to get in touch with someone from one of the Norwich Bioscience Institutes, please contact graduates.nrp@nbi.ac.uk or telephone (+44) 1603 450768.