The Department of Veterinary Medicine houses a wide range of skilled staff, facilities and equipment, and has a wide clinical patient group to support students' research. It also has strong ties with world class groups elsewhere in the University and its surrounding Research Institutes.The Department has particular Research strengths in Disease Dynamics, Infection and Immunity, Systems Pathology. There is a wide range of potential research subjects on offer: from mathematical studies to small and macromolecules, cells, tissues and model organisms to clinical patients.The PhD degree by research is carried out over a minimum of three and a maximum of four years (full time), including a probationary period of one year. Each student is assigned a primary supervisor who will then assign an advisor or supervisory team to assist the student under their supervision.Many research projects are carried out primarily within the Department, but part of your studies may occur elsewhere or even abroad. Depending on the funder, some courses include lab rotations in the first year. All students are expected to take part in the Graduate School of Life Science’s Researcher Development Programme.At the end of their first year of study, students are required to complete a satisfactory first-year report and assessment. A short report is also expected at the end of the second year and students are expected to participate in Departmental events such as Seminars, Journal clubs and Research Days. Final Examination is by submission and viva voce examination of a thesis.