Camborne School of Mines provides a diverse range of research opportunities reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the expertise of the academic staff within the internationally renowned Department.
As a Geology MPhil/PhD student, you will work alongside the Applied Geology and Mineralogy Research Group Research Group. Please see the page for details on the research specialisms of this group.
The Masters by Research, not to be confused with the taught MRes degree, was introduced in 2009 and is offered within some Colleges. The Masters by Research, like other research degrees, contains no taught element and offers you the opportunity to pursue a research project, without entering into the commitment of a longer-term research degree. As such, it’s ideal for those in employment who are interested in pursuing a specific shorter-term research project.
A Masters by Research degree is assessed by a written dissertation of up 40,000 words. The dissertation will not need to constitute an original contribution to knowledge but will need to provide evidence that you have worked at the current limits of understanding of the subject. Unlike a taught Masters degree, there is no taught element, so dedication and enthusiasm for your subject are essential.
What is an MPhil or PhD?
Both MPhil and PhD research degrees involve an extensive investigation of a particular topic.
MPhil research takes a maximum of three years to complete full-time, or five years part-time, and is assessed by the submission of a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. The PhD takes a maximum of four years full-time and seven years part-time and the results of your research will normally be assessed by a written thesis of up to 100,000 words and oral examination. The PhD is only awarded when the results of your investigation make an original contribution to knowledge in the field.
A PhD is the highest qualification that a university can award and offers a challenging and exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of research: if you have these qualities Exeter can offer a very supportive environment in which to pursue research.
Advice for PhD applicants
Our online learning resource 'Considering a UK PhD?' provides lots of helpful advice and information from staff and students about the PhD experience at Exeter.
You may wish to read our general advice for PhD applicants webpages, which give tips on how to put together a successful research degree application.
Applicants for research programmes are also advised to visit the College's webpages to check for specific advice (see further information link). Here you will be able to find out about staff research interests and make preliminary enquiries about supervision. We advise that you do this before applying.
We were at the Camborne School of Mines test mine one rainy afternoon, learning about surveying, and I made an off-the-cuff comment to my lecturer about how ridiculous it was that we didn’t have machines to do this. He replied by challenging me to invent one.
James Jobling Purser, PhD student
Find what James went on to invent...
Before coming to Exeter University I gained an MSc in Geology and am currently in the fourth year of my PhD studies. I chose to study at the Cornwall campus because the Camborne School of Mines has a long history of mining and minerals-related activities, eg Mineral exploration and applied mineralogy, which is essential to my studies. It is also the only institute in the UK where excellent facilities are available for applied mineralogy and industry related projects. I am currently being sponsored by the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan, to carry out my research here.
I decided to study for a PhD because I wanted to enhance my research and communication skills and gain a qualification to help me get the best possible career. The advantages of updating and building upon my existing knowledge will serve me in both academic and industry environments.
The chances of achieving my career goals are greatly increased by the excellent instrumental facilities in my subject along with the friendly environment in the school and the valuable links it has with the relevant industries. I would strongly recommend this programme at Cornwall for anyone wanting to progress in this field of study.
Liaqat Ali, PhD Earth Resources 2010
