The programme is research-based, so you’ll spend most of your time developing a research question, conducting original research, analysing your results and writing up your research findings, all under the guidance of your project supervisors. You’ll meet your supervisors on at least a monthly basis to discuss your progress. Your supervisor will guide you through your research, and provide you with training in the techniques and methods you will need for your research project. Your supervisor will also read and comment on drafts of your confirmation report and thesis. As a doctoral researcher at the School of Veterinary Medicine, you’ll be able to attend training sessions run by our Researcher Development Programme. These cover topics such as writing skills, data analysis, career development, project management and preparing for your viva. Depending on the nature of your research project, you might be mostly based at a desk, a laboratory, a clinic, in the field, or a combination of two or more of these. You can work on your project on-site at the School of Veterinary Medicine or at a collaborating institution. If you do work from a collaborating institution, you will need to come to the University of Surrey periodically to attend training sessions and meet your supervisors. You’ll take a confirmation examination at 12-15 months after you start on a full-time programme, or 24-30 months on a part-time programme. For your confirmation you’ll need to submit a report of your work so far, and a viva examination with two examiners. Your final assessment for your PhD will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which you will again discuss in a viva examination with at least two examiners.