Funding for Horticulture MSc by Research

Award

You will receive funding to undergo an MSc by Research, working closely with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The focus for this research is the analysis of rose black spot disease reduction using silicon products.

This funding will cover at least the fees for the course for home students, with some funding left over for living costs. International students will benefit from part funding for tuition fees.

The amount of funding you receive will be decided by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). This is to be confirmed.

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 live in the UK during their studies, within commutable distance to campus.

Location

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

Application process

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

Please submit your application via our application portal.

Please 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.

Deadline for applications

Applications are open until the position is filled.

Start date

TBC

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.