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University of Hertfordshire

Hatfield , England ,United Kingdom

PhD Astronomy

The Ph.D. is the internationally recognized degree signifying high levels of achievement in research. It develops extensive subject expertise and independent research skills which are honed over an extended period, typically three to four years full-time. You would undertake a substantial, original research project for the duration of the degree, under the supervision and guidance of one or more academic members of staff. Your supervisory team provides guidance both in the selection of a research topic and in the conduct of the research.

You are also supported by attendance at a postgraduate seminar series to develop subject-specific knowledge and research skills relevant to the physical sciences. The degree is assessed solely on the basis of the final research output, in the form of a substantial written thesis which must be "defended" in a viva. During the course of the degree, you would expect to present and publicize your work at major conferences and in refereed research publications.

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Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

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93.5% of Herts UK graduates* are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation

Highest growth of all East of England university graduate start-ups over the last five years

We’re here to help turbocharge your career, from the minute you arrive to the completion of your studies and beyond - with support available for up to four years after you graduate. Whether you’re seeking a part-time job during your studies, exploring career options, or preparing to start your own business, we offer a wealth of resources, training and networking opportunities that will give you the confidence you need to make your mark on the world.

Our Flare enterprise competition allows our students to also enjoy supplementing their studies with exclusive extracurricular benefits which give them that extra spark to help land jobs, launch businesses and capture dreams.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
  • 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Entry requirements

  • A pass in A-Level Mathematics or equivalent; and
  • typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in mathematics, physics, astrophysics or other relevant first degree and whose programme would have made extensive use of applied mathematics to design and explain engineering and/or scientific concepts will give access to the Near STEM route; OR
  • typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, food science, computer science based or similar first degrees where statistical analysis was a dominant feature of their analytical studies will give access to the Far STEM route
  • exceptionally, a number of applicants with other relevant professional qualifications who have the necessary academic achievements and experience will be considered under APEL (accreditation of prior experiential learning) or APCL (accreditation of prior certified learning).
  • Prospective students may be required to attend an interview typically in order to review their subject background.

Pre-masters

  • Completion of a Bachelor degree with 40% or above
  • IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in any band

Postgraduate taught

  • Completion of a Bachelor degree in a relevant subject area with 55-65% or above depending on course
  • IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 (depends on course) with no less than 5.5 in any band - some courses require higher
  • Standard XII English with 70% will also be accepted

An honors degree (2:1 or above) in an appropriate discipline. IELTS entry requirement is normally 6.5, TOEFL 550 (213 CBT) or equivalent for those for whom English is not their first language.