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.AssessmentThesisThis course is examined by thesis and viva. The thesis must be no longer than 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee). These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. The thesis is examined at a viva by one internal examiner and one external examiner.OtherAll 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. A less formal report on progress and plans is required at the end of the second year.