Key information
- Duration: Full-time, 36 months (3-4 years)
- Start dates & application deadlines:
- Starting January 2027 - Apply before Oct 2026
Overview
A PhD by research in Vision Sciences at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, from Cardiff University, is based around a specific, well-defined research topic.
All students have regular meetings with their supervisory team, as well as an advisor who is not directly involved with the project, and is able to objectively monitor the progress of the research, and to provide independent guidance. In addition to the core research topic, the School provides a diverse programme of transferrable skills training, which complements the Doctoral Academy Programme.
Career Prospects
- Those who successfully gain their research degree generally find employment commensurate with their academic achievement within six months of graduation. Positions include postdoctorate or lectureships within Universities, senior appointments within NHS Trusts, professional service appointments within major optometric companies, pharmaceutical, and other industry employment such as Novartis, Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
Visit the programme website for more information
Programme Structure
Research themes:
- Visual Neuroscience
- Retinal Degeneration and Ageing
- Structural Biophysics
- Visual Rehabilitation
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
- GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 69
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements:
- Suitable for graduates in optometry, medicine, psychology, social science, physics, biology, biochemistry, mathematics or any relevant scientific discipline.
- A First or Upper Second class UK Honours degree, master's degree, or equivalent is required.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 50,857 AUD / year (≈ 26,700 GBP / year)
- Domestic: 9,535 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Additional Details
- Part-time tuition fees: £2,503
Living costs
Cardiff, United Kingdom: 1,196-2,030 AUD / month