The Institute has a vigorous postgraduate student programme. This has a three-fold purpose - to produce
excellent research scientists in animal health, to make the unique facilities in the Institute for working
on farm animals available more widely and to strengthen the links between the Institute and the Universities.
The IAH is recognised as an Associated Institution by the Universities of Bristol and Reading.
Students are funded from a variety of sources including the BBSRC, IAH, British Council, Overseas Governments,
Trusts, industry etc. Some studentships are funded under the CASE scheme and so students spend between three
and 18 months of their studentship with the industrial partner.
Selection of PhD projects and candidates
Projects are advertised in the early part of the year in the scientific press and also on our web site.
Applicants for studentships must have a 1st or upper 2nd Class honours degree or a lower 2nd Class honours degree
plus a Masters. Not all applicants may be eligible for all studentships. Eligibility is determined by the funder
and applicants should check this carefully before applying.
Short-listed applicants will be invited to the Institute for interview. They will have an opportunity to see the
laboratory and other facilities and meet current students and post-docs.
Selection of PhD projects and candidates
The research and project-specific training of each student is primarily the responsibility of the Principal IAH
Supervisor, with the support of a Co-supervisor(s). Each student also has an external supervisor, who is usually
a member of the university at which the student is registered. Close contact is encouraged with external
supervisors who are also involved in the annual assessments. The Institute also provides a generic training
programme which is provided and overseen by the IAH Academic Committee. This programme provides training and
development for students in a variety of transferable skills.
Both Compton and Pirbright Laboratories run a programme of research seminars given by invited speakers, which
students are expected to attend. There are also weekly or fortnightly internal seminars and research reports at
both Laboratory and Division levels, in which students are required to participate. These activities help ensure
that students graduate with a well rounded knowledge of their own, and related, fields. There are also Journal
Clubs to develop critical analysis skills by the student. Students attend formal research reviews and courses
run at the individual laboratories by Institute staff. Training also includes participation in meetings of
scientific societies and attendance at laboratory courses that the supervisors may deem appropriate. Finally,
students must satisfy the training and supervision requirements of the degree-awarding body with which they are
registered.
There is an Institute Academic Committee which establishes policy in the area of postgraduate training and
oversees all postgraduate student matters. The Committee has representatives from the student body in its
membership.
Monitoring student progress
Student progress is carefully monitored throughout the period of study to ensure that they are progressing as
expected and any problems are identified early and resolved. At the end of the first and second years there is
a more extensive review whereby the student must prepare a report on their research progress and undertake a
mini viva conducted by University and IAH academic staff. Confirmation of registration for a PhD and continued
funding is contingent on a satisfactory outcome at these review points.
Pastoral care, housing and social activities
In addition to their Principal and Co-Supervisors each student is assigned a Personal Tutor who is responsible for the pastoral care of the student. The Human Resources Department, Staff Support Groups and Academic Committee are all also available if a student is in need of guidance, advice or support.
All students in their first year are guaranteed on-site accommodation (at a reasonable cost) if required.
There are recreational facilities at both sites: at Compton, there is a bar and squash court and a variety of other recreational activities are arranged by the entertainments committee of the Recreational Association; at Pirbright the facilities include a fitness room, tennis court and bar run by the Social Club, which also organises a weekly film club and other events.
The Institute Laboratories are small enough to enable students' needs to be catered for on a personal level.
Contact
Human Resources
Institute for Animal Health
Compton
Newbury
Berks RG20 7NN
Tel: +44 (0)1635-578411
Fax: +44 (0)1635-577237
E-Mail: carol.smith@iah.ac.uk