A PhD is likely to be the most challenging type of academic work you have ever done – but it will also be the most rewarding.A PhD is a degree programme based on an independent piece of research and writing that presents an original contribution to existing knowledge. The key feature of the PhD is that it is yours: the topic, planning, motivation, and thinking come from you. In other words, what our research degrees offer is a truly exciting opportunity for you to push forward the boundaries of knowledge, and to become an authority in your chosen field.You will be supported by at least two supervisors who facilitate your progress along the way. They will help you to shape your research, guide you in professional development, and support you in delivering your findings to a wider audience.During the course of the PhD, you will pursue a course of research training. Training is not credit-based and (with a few exceptions) modules are not compulsory, giving you the flexibility to design a custom training programme specific to your own needs.