Award

MSc by Research working closely with RHS

Fees

Fees for postgraduate research degrees can be found here: Postgraduate fees and funding - Canterbury Christ Church University

Location

Based at RHS Wisley (GU23 6QB), at well-equipped laboratories at Hilltop (Home of Gardening Science).

Deadline for applications

31 January 2025

Start date

February 2025

Eligibility Criteria

Essential 2:1 in plant science horticulture based degree or other relevant subject
The strengths of the individual candidate (in relation to academic competence and commitment) will be considered.
All non-native speakers of English must be proficient in written and spoken English.
The successful candidate must be available to begin their studies in February 2025 on a full-time basis.
The successful candidate must live in the UK during their studies, within commutable distance to campus.

Research Focus

Are you passionate about plant pathology and want to pursue a career in this area? This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a collaborative project with Dr Alec Forsyth’s laboratory at CCCU and with Dr Liz Beal, and the Plant Health team, RHS.

You will be carrying out and analysing data in a field experiment examining the potential of silicon applications to reduce disease incidence on roses, most notably the incidence of black spot (Diplocarpon rosae). This offers an ideal opportunity to expand your knowledge of plant pathology and develop classical and molecular skills. You will have the opportunity to develop other specialist skills and embed into the team.

You will develop excellent communication skills which you will demonstrate by presenting your work at RHS and CCCU to a wide range of audiences including scientists and the general public.

This MSc will provide an excellent grounding to pursue a career as a Plant Health professional- a UK priority area as outlined in the UK biosecurity strategy.

If you have any questions about the project please contact Dr Alec Forsyth by email: alec.forsyth@canterbury.ac.uk

How to apply

You will be required to submit a CV and covering letter and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview at RHS Wisley.

To submit your application via the website: https://studentrecords.canterbury.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=DRFQ027466&code2=0005

You will be required to upload:

A covering letter
A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Evidence of your qualifications
A pass in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if required
Two references

For any queries about the application and admissions process please contact Postgraduate Admissions pgadmissions@canterbury.ac.uk

MSc by Research: Analysis of Rose black spot disease reduction using silicon products