Prospective students are encouraged to contact James Kirwan at the CCRI to discuss their research ideas, in the first instance.
The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) is a partnership between the University of the West of England, Hartpury College, the Royal Agricultural College and the Countryside and Community Research Unit at the University of Gloucestershire. It is one of the largest specialist rural research centres in the UK. It has expertise in all aspects of research in policy and planning for the countryside and the environment of the UK, Europe and further afield. It currently has programmes of research in agriculture, food and land use, community and society and the rural environment.
The CCRI provides a stimulating and supportive environment for postgraduate students to pursue research for PhD and MPhil degrees, full-time or part-time. There is a vibrant research student community, and students are encouraged to interact with the professional life of the Institute through the fora of a Winter School, writing groups, seminars and workshops (see www.glos.ac.uk/ccri, for further details).
As an MPhil student you will critically evaluate an approved topic, resulting in an independent contribution to knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of research methods through a thesis and coursework. Similar expectations apply to the Masters by research (MRes). For the PhD you will also be required to make an independent and original contribution to knowledge. An MPhil or PhD will open the door to work in fulltime research, management posts in a wide range of rural and environmental organisations, or to careers in local authorities or government agencies concerned with rural issues. Research Degrees are primarily carried out through individual supervision.
Pathways to a Research Degree
- Full-time over 3 years
- Part-time over 5-7 years
- Professional doctorate
- PhD with publications
Financial Support
In addition, studentships are sometimes built into research projects. Where this is the case, they will be advertised through these pages as well as in the Guardian and on jobs.ac.uk.
Training in Research Methods
All research students who have not already completed a relevant Masters Degree or other appropriate research methods training are required to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods, and may extend this to Diploma or Masters Degree level.
Entry requirements
- You will normally need an honours degree of upper second class or above from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification, in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic
- In exceptional circumstances, the university will consider applications from non-graduates with experience of undertaking research. Registration is usually for MPhil or MSc (by research) with the possibility of transfer to PhD
- Candidates may register for PhD directly if they have a recent masters qualification in a relevant subject that contained appropriate research methods training.
Staff offering supervision
For an up to date list please click here.