Study your research degree with a well-funded, internationally published academic team that’s making exciting discoveries.
Full description
Our academic team has a wealth of international experience in research and research training, as well as an impressive record of attracting grants from research councils, charities and industry.
We pursue our work under the broad banner of our Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Group.
Here’s a brief overview of our main areas of expertise and interest:
- The basic processes and neural mechanism of normal vision perception, including spatio-temporal vision, image processing, colour vision, stereopsis and binocular vision
- How mechanisms differ in developing, aging, anomalous and diseased visual systems
- Diagnostic and therapeutic tools
- Paediatric eyecare
- Electrophysiology.
We have state-of-the-art psychophysical and electrophysiological systems for studying vision, eye movements and the visual brain, as well as access to the facilities of partners.
We can accommodate a wide range of research proposals and can offer you expert academic support, as well as comprehensive research training and an inspiring scientific community. In addition to our Optometry and Vision Sciences PhD, we've also identified a range of innovative research project opportunities for you as a postgraduate researcher.
If you've already conducted research and published work that demonstrates an independent and original contribution to knowledge in this field of you may wish to apply for a PhD by Published Work.
Completion times
MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years.
PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years.
PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years.
For further guidance on the duration of research degrees please refer to the Research Degrees Regulations.
Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. They gained their own PhDs in a variety of institutions internationally and act as expert reviewers for vision journals and other PhD awarders.
They’ll bring this experience to supervising your programme, whether at regular formal reviews or advising you day-to-day.
Their research expertise includes:
- Prof Peter Allen - Areas of expertise include refractive error development, vision and reading, vision in sports, physical activity and its effect on physical and mental wellbeing, tinnitus and visual function in specialist populations.
- Dr Monika Formankiewicz - Basic mechanisms of spatial vision and how images are combined across the two eyes, human colour vision.
- Dr Nery Garcia-Porta - Areas of specialisation include ocular surface, contact lenses and the aging eye.
- Dr Keziah Latham - Assessment of function and optimization of rehabilitation for people with visual impairment.
- Dr Yvonne Norgett - Children's vision, Visual Acuity Charts, Clinical Standard Setting - Objective Structured Clinical Exams.
- Dr Marta Vianya-Estopa - Contact lenses.
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Course fees
UK students, 2024/25 (per year)
£4,786
UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£2,392
International students, 2024/25 (per year)
£15,900
International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£7,950
Bench fees
In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.
Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.
We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.
If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.
For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:
- £500
- £1,200
- £2,200
- £4,500
- £8,900
PhD by Published Work
Initial registration: £1,500
Full registration: £4,500
Writing up fees 2024/25
£1,200
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.
You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.
ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.
To help you get the most from your programme we’ll provide comprehensive research training. Topics include research methods, academic writing and publishing, and conference presentation.
If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email SE-research@aru.ac.uk
MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.
