The aim of the PhD course is to provide a sound foundation in study design and conduct, data acquisition and handling, quality issues, statistics, discussion of research ethics, issues of intellectual property, multidisciplinary team working, access to a variety of research settings and dissemination of findings. In addition to standard applications, there are opportunities for PhD training on specific projects throughout the year. The PhD can be undertaken by full-time or part-time study. The thesis should not exceed 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee). These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. Line spacing to be double or one-and-a-half spaced pages single or double sided. All PhD students are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year. If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.