This is the place where PhDs think globally

Our Joint PhD award programme enables doctoral students to undertake a research degree at the University of Nottingham and the University of Adelaide at the same time.

The researchers spend at least a year in each location, benefitting from the expertise of world-leading supervisors and access to specialist research facilities at both Nottingham and Adelaide.

This flagship programme initially bridged Nottingham’s School of Biosciences and Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. Today it spans all disciplines with students enrolled in areas including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Medicine, Sociology, Education and Mathematics. Co-authored publications have grown year on year, including prestigious journals such as Science, Nature and The Lancet.

How it works

1. Students begin their four-year PhD at their home institution, which is either Nottingham or Adelaide. Their home institution is responsible for most administrative matters.
2. Typically, students will start their first year developing their research proposal, skills and starting their research project. They will be eligible for training courses and travel grants from both institution. Students will then transfer to the other institution for at least 12 months, continuing their research abroad.
3. Students return to their home institution for the remainder of their programme completing their research project and thesis, which is co-supervised by both Nottingham and Adelaide academics.
4. The final defence of the student's research project is jointly assessed.
5. If successful, students are awarded a PhD, receiving PhD certificates from both Nottingham and Adelaide recognising the partnership.

Students pay tuition fees for the entire PhD at their home institution only.

The Joint PhD programme has allowed me not only to expand my research experience but also to explore different cultures, visit many places and of course to experience two different kinds of weather!