Optometry and Vision Sciences MPhil, PhD

Research ( full-time, part-time)

Cambridge

January, April, September

Apply online

For application deadlines visit our how to apply page.

Overview

Study your research degree with a well-funded, internationally published academic team that’s making exciting discoveries.

Full description

Supervision and support

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.

Where you'll research

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
Lord Ashcroft Building on our Cambridge campus

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

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Fees & funding

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:

  1. £500
  2. £1,200
  3. £2,200
  4. £4,500
  5. £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 research

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.

Careers

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.

Contact details

If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email [email protected]

Entry requirements

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.

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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.

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February, September

Get more information

UK applicants

01245 686868

Enquire online

International applicants

+44 1245 683680

Enquire online