Overview
Join us for your PhD in Marine Sciences.
Your research project will be in one of the areas covered by the marine science research groups:
- Marine Resources and Renewable Energy (MRRE):
- antifouling and ballast water treatment
- bacterial bioactive products
- bioenergy
- Ecology
- Modelling, Evidence and Policy
Depending on your previous academic training and the requirements of the project, you receive formal instruction through taught modules in important areas such as laboratory safety and sea survival.
You’ll be part of our research community of:
- 30 research students
- 10-20 MSc students
- six to 10 post-doctoral scientists
- six technicians
- 13 full-time academic staff
This provides you with abundant opportunities to progress your scientific career in any sector. Our research students have been successful at finding work across industry, academia, government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MPhil – Masters of Philosophy
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
This research degree operates through the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP). This is part of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Graduate School.
Your original research project is managed in the marine science research groups. There is flexibility in how your research outputs are achieved. Supervisory inputs and collaborations with other schools and faculties are common. Input from outside the University, eg Research Council (RCUK) CASE studentships, is also encouraged.
The programme of work is tailored to your project requirements. You’ll achieve a certain number of credits through the PGRDP and School in your first two years. You’ll also:
- write a thesis for viva voce examination
- attend regional and international conferences in your chosen subject area
- prepare papers for publication in academic journals
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Many research projects include industrial work experience. Other projects involve working with other universities, government institutes and scientific associations. The marine science research groups form part of extensive national and international networks. Recent collaboration includes:
- the Environment Agency
- Natural England
- Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
- University of the West Indies (Barbados)
- National Oceanographic Centre Southampton (NOCS)
- University of Costa Rica,
- North Sea Regional Advisory Council
- Haribon Foundation
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
- IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership
- Sustainable Electric Propulsion Centre for Doctoral Training
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Earth and Marine Sciences – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support our research and teaching, including:
- aquaria
- algal culture
- stable-isotope preparation
- marine geochemistry
- gas chromatography
- air-sea gas exchange tank
- uHPLC
- bio-fouling
- force gauge
- WaterJet
- contact angle goniometer
- molecular biology
- tracking systems
We study live marine animals at our Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. With an aquarium on-site, we examine a range of wildlife.
Our research vessel, The Princess Royal, is a floating laboratory. Activities on the vessel range from oceanographic characterisation of river plumes to remote camera surveys of offshore habitats.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent.
