We are fortunate enough to be able to offer studentships most years. This allows our Ph.D. students more flexibility in terms of research topic and removes the financial burden that can prevent some people from considering postgraduate study. The remuneration is similar to the starting salary of a newly qualified optometrist.
CD posts are only open to optometrists who are registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) because they involve some teaching in the Eye Clinic. Successful applicants receive a tax-exempt bursary of £16,600 per annum for 3 years, equivalent to around £20,000 gross taxable salary. In addition, tuition fees are covered by the studentship. The teaching commitment associated with a CD post is around 7 hours per week.
RS do not require GOC registration and are therefore open to non-optometrists. Successful applicants receive a tax-exempt bursary of ~£13,500 per annum for 3 years, with a teaching commitment of around 4 hours per week. In addition, tuition fees are covered by the studentship.
The figures quoted are correct as of 1st October, 2010.
From time to time, we offer studentships associated with a particular research project, funded by a research grant. The primary supervisor will be the grant holder.
We also consider applications from self-funded students with suitable qualifications. Tuition fees (http://www.brad.ac.uk/external/prospectus/pg/fees.php) must be paid by the student but you may be eligible for financial help or a scholarship. Please contact the Director of Postgraduate Research for further information.