geography phd uk

Geography MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

As well as providing world-leading disciplinary and interdisciplinary research training, our programmes provide outstanding opportunities for networking across public, private and third sector organisations. With extensive experience in building partnerships, knowledge transfer, applied research and public engagement and impact, UCL Geography enables doctoral students to enhance their employment prospects while pursuing cutting-edge research.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Research programmes may start at any time of the year, but typically begin in September.

• Entry requirements

Normally a UK Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

UCL Geography is an established international leader in geographical research. We are committed to theoretically informed empirical research on major social and environmental issues. The department is distinctive in the scale and diversity of its research, as well as its international scope, collaborative links and policy orientation.

Research students are central to the department's research culture, and are offered access to specialist laboratories and computing facilities as well as professional development opportunities, including training, teaching experience and academic event hosting.

Who this course is for

Our MPhil/PhD is suitable for candidates wishing to pursue research in a dynamic and supportive environment.

What this course will give you

UCL Geography provides a world-class environment for research students. UCL has been ranked the leading university in the UK for its research strength and the department, which is consistently rated among the best geography departments in the country, is currently ranked ninth in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).

Students work towards an MPhil or PhD supported by seminars, training and a dedicated supervisory team of expert academics. The department attracts prestigious scholarships and studentships to support graduate research and enables students to conduct fieldwork around the world.

The foundation of your career

A significant number of our recent research graduates have gone on to lectureships and many others into university research, at institutions such as King's College London, the University of Tokyo, National University of Singapore and California College of the Arts. Having gained a variety of technical and analytical skills as well as in-depth substantive expertise in particular fields, others have entered professions within government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

Employability

Skills development is an important component of the research degree process, and UCL provides a strong and varied graduate skills development programme. Within UCL Geography, research students have access to state-of-the-art research equipment, a variety of data archives and receive research council-level training in methodology. The department also offers research students a range of teaching assistant opportunities that provide valuable experience. Our established track record in partnership working, knowledge transfer, applied research, public engagement and impact further enables students to gain broad experience to support career development.

Our graduate students attend and participate in seminars, workshops and conferences within the department and interdisciplinary research centres across UCL, and are encouraged to make use of opportunities to network with leading academics across a variety of research fields. Research Councils UK (RCUK) funded students in the department have additional opportunities to interact with non-academic partners, to develop collaborations and to spend time developing their skills in public, private and third sector organisations. Students are also supported to participate in public workshops, seminars, conferences and other events related to their research, providing further occasions for networking.

Teaching and learning

You will have continuous support to develop your research throughout the PhD programme. In the first year, you will undertake rigorous training in to develop skills relevant to effectively completing your PhD and in transferable skills that will serve you well in any future career. These are delivered by leading researchers and professional staff in the department and include effectively communicating your research in written and spoken form, media engagement, risk assessment and ethics, critiquing the literature, etc.

The PhD is examined by a viva committee comprising of two experts in the field, an external examiner who can be based anywhere in the world, and an internal examiner who is normally from the University College London. You should not have had much prior contact with either examiner. Your supervisor nominates suitable examiners during your final year, in consultation with you, and the nominations are scrutinised by UCL’s examinations office who may approve or reject them. 

The examiners have several weeks, or sometimes months, to read your thesis in detail. The viva exam is a meeting in which the examiners and yourself discuss your work, both through direct questions and more informal conversation, and it normally takes two or more hours.

Research students will normally have a one-on-one meeting with their primary supervisor once a month, but the frequency varies depending on the needs of the student and the point where they are at with their research and writing.

Research areas and structure

• Past climates
• Recent environmental change and biodiversity
• Environmental modelling and observation
• Global urbanisms
• Environment, politics and society
• Culture and migration
• Geospatial analytics and computing

Please visit the departmental website for full details on the research areas.

Research environment

UCL Geography is an established international leader in geographical research. We are committed to theoretically-informed empirical research on major social and environmental issues. The department is distinctive in the scale and diversity of its research, as well as its international scope, collaborative links and policy orientation. We support a multiplicity of styles and scales of research, nurturing the very best of individual scholarship, concentrating strategically in areas where we can make a distinctive, significant and conceptually innovative contribution.

The quality of individual researchers in Geography, allied with our institutional strengths, laboratories and computing facilities should provide you with the opportunity to develop your projects, upgrade to PhD status, and to realise your research at PhD level. The aim is to support you to complete your project within the timescales envisaged by UCL and funding bodies. In addition to developing necessary skills for your research with the supervisory teams, generic research training is offered in weekly seminars in term two of year one. This requires attendance on campus throughout Term 2 of year one. A wide range of professional development opportunities, including training, teaching positions and academic event hosting should also be available to you. The department also attracts prestigious scholarships and studentships for postgraduate research, enabling you to conduct fieldwork around the world.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 3 years for full-time. 

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva c.12 months after initial registration.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration, we would expect you to be completing or nearing completion of your thesis. In the majority of cases, you may register as a completing research student (CRS) while you write up your thesis, but you would need to approve this with any funding body you are associated with.     

In your first year, in the second term, you are required to take part in a departmental mandatory programme of weekly training seminars. The seminars aim to develop your understanding of what the (UCL) PhD is, build towards your research presentation and upgrade, and strengthen your ability to complete an excellent PhD in a timely manner. Importantly the seminars also serve to enhance the research student community by getting you together with your peers to discuss your projects.

At the end of your first year/beginning of the second year you are expected to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD. To successfully upgrade to a PhD you are required to submit a piece of writing (this is usually based on at least one chapter from your thesis and a chapter plan for the remainder). You are also required to present and answer questions about this work to an upgrade panel consisting of your subsidiary supervisor and another member of the department/faculty who acts as an independent assessor. You must also deliver a presentation in the department and have a web page on the Geography department website and ensure your student research log is up to date with key milestones completed.

The length of registration for the research degree is five years part-time. You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transferring to the PhD after successfully upgrading.     We will support you throughout your research. In your first year, you will be asked to plan the basic structure of your project and attend our departmental induction courses.     In your second or third year, you are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD student status. 

To successfully upgrade to a PhD you are required to submit a piece of writing (this is usually based on at least one chapter from your thesis and a chapter plan for the remainder). You are also required to present and answer questions about this work to an upgrade panel consisting of your subsidiary supervisor and another member of the department/faculty who acts as an independent assessor. You must also deliver a presentation in the department and have a web page on the Geography department website and ensure your student research log is up to date with key milestones completed.   In subsequent years, you will be continued to be supported by your supervisors. As a part-time student, if you are not ready to submit at the end of the fifth year, you may be able to register as a Completing Research Status (CRS) student for two further years while you write up your thesis. While on CRS you will have continued access to UCL facilities and are not required to pay fees.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

Past research students have received funding through a range of awards such as the UK Research Council, University and Commonwealth Scholarships, and we also have a number of students who self-fund or obtain work-associated funding. Funding opportunities vary from year to year, so please check the UCL Geography website for up-to-date information.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (ROS)

Deadline: 12 January 2024 Value: UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

The Geography Department favours a start date at the start of the academic year but will accept non-standard start times at the start of Term 2 (January). Please contact the Geography Postgraduate Research team prior to making an application if your intended start time would not be at the start of the academic year (end of September).

Deadlines and start dates are usually dictated by funding arrangements so check with the department to see if you need to consider these in your application preparation.

Although Geography operates a rolling admission, in order to ensure necessary processes can be completed (such as for a visa for international/overseas students) we recommend making your application before the end of May at the latest for a start at the end of September. If we receive your application after this date we may need to defer your start date to the following January if you cannot ensure that you will arrive to campus for the start of the academic year.

Please follow the guidance on making your application and the required steps in finding a suitable supervisor before you apply via the UCL Geography postgraduate research webpages .

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

[email protected]

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Geography PhD

• Full-time: 3 to 4 years
• Part-time: 6 to 8 years
• Start date: Multiple available
• UK fees: £5,350
• International fees: £23,000 for social sciences based or £30,750 for science based

Research overview

A leading centre of postgraduate teaching and research, the School of Geography has internationally recognised strengths across the discipline. 

Our PhD programme enables you to conduct original research across a wide range of geographical research areas.

Our students are an integral part of our wider research and teaching community. Individual projects may cut across research areas, for example, in fields such as environmental management. You will also be supported by at least two academic advisors , who may be drawn from more than one of our research groups. 

Our research in the school is interdisciplinary; crossing many disciplines and adopting many research methods and analyses. It also transects across various timescales (past, present and future) and spatial scales.

The school is organised into research themes, namely: 

• Earth Observation and Geospatial Data Science
• Biogeography, Ecology and Ecosystem Restoration
• Cultural and Historical Geography
• Freshwater Science and Management
• Health, Environment and Society
• Environmental Change
• Economic and Political Worlds

Course content

You must complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words, with expert support and advice from your academic advisors. You will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel. 

Academic advisors

Full-time students should aim to meet with their advisors at least 12 times each year. This would be at least six times in the same period for part-time students. 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

Please make sure that we have an academic advisor who shares an interest in your proposed area of research before applying.

Individual projects may be based within one of the research themes or cross over between research groups, and you may have advisors drawn from more than one group.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). For more information on the equipment that you need for your studies, please visit the equipment advice .

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

PhD students are encouraged to apply for further school and university funding for conference attendance or other research-related expenses.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Department specific support 

You will join a vibrant postgraduate community within the School of Geography and an advisory team will oversee your progress.

The school also provides its own training opportunities with the support of our Postgraduate Training Officer.

Research seminars

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to participate in our research seminars. These talks from visiting speakers, and internal research workshops given by members of the school including postgraduate research students, which will provide you the chance to enrich your knowledge.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

• socialising
• computer work
• kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Library facilities - geography.

The  Hallward Library  stocks all of the major geography publications and journals. Our library facilities open long hours and include areas for group work, individual and silent study.

University Park Campus

University Park Campus  covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

School facilities - Geography

In addition to University IT services, you will be provided with your own desk space and laptop, and will have access to photocopying and telephone facilities. The school also has a number of  specialised facilities , depending on your needs or research area.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Many of our PhD students continue in the academic field, either at the University of Nottingham or elsewhere. Other recent graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as the Environment Agency, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Tate Britain, Experian, the Forestry Commission, and business and professional service firms.

88.9% of postgraduate research students from the School of Geography secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £30,565.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Related courses

Geography mres/(sc) mres, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 100% of the school's research output was found to be of international quality
• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 05 September 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

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PhD in Geography

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Primary tabs

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• Requirements
• How To Apply
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The Geography Department welcomes applications from well-qualified candidates with previous training in geography or a related discipline and, normally, a relevant master's qualification. The PhD is a full-time, three-year research degree (or five-year part-time) examined by a thesis.

In the first year, students attend a training programme based around seminars and workshops dealing with the debates in geography, the practice of developing and designing research projects, and the methods and techniques required to undertake the empirical elements of research. Research in geography embraces both natural sciences (physical geography) and the social sciences and humanities (human geography). This PhD can, in principle, be taken in any of the topics covered by the Department of Geography and may, in part, be delivered through cooperation with other departments in social sciences, humanities, and physical sciences depending on each student's individual needs. The University also offers a comprehensive range of training courses for personal and professional career development.

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages .

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of geography, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2025.

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.

Similar Courses

• Quantitative Climate and Environmental Science MPhil
• Geography MPhil
• Data Intensive Science MPhil

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Geography PhD

Key information.

“Sussex Geography was a fantastic place to study for my PhD. My supervisors were incredibly supportive and there is a large, vibrant community of postgraduate researchers within the School of Global Studies.” Dr Amy Clarke  Research Associate (Geography), University of Sussex

We enjoy a reputation for world-leading research in a wide range of areas, including policy-relevant studies on global socioeconomic and cultural transformations, and sensitive environmental systems.

You’ll work with expert faculty who are major contributors to policy debates within the UK Government, the EU and other international organisations.

Areas of study

Our areas of expertise and supervision include:

• popular protest and the politics of labouring life
• critical finance studies and digital currencies
• postwar cultural geographies of Britain and the United States
• cultural geographies of race and representation
• postcolonial landscapes and identities
• everyday home-making practices and lived domestic space
• decolonising museums
• climate science and society
• geomorphology.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

South Korea

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

High level (70 overall, including at least 65 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

• For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
• For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Our supervisors

Explore our research interests and find potential supervisors.

Dr Alexander Antonarakis

Reader in Global Change Ecology

[email protected]

View profile of Alexander Antonarakis

Prof Mick Frogley

Professor of Quaternary Science

[email protected]

View profile of Mick Frogley

Dr Andrew Hook

Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

View profile of Andrew Hook

Prof Dominic Kniveton

Professor of Climate Science & Society

[email protected]

View profile of Dominic Kniveton

Prof Julian Murton

Professor of Permafrost Science

[email protected]

View profile of Julian Murton

Prof David Ockwell

Professor of Sustainability and International development

[email protected]

View profile of David Ockwell

Dr Pedram Rowhani

Reader in Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Pedram Rowhani

Prof Martin Todd

Professor in Climate Change

[email protected]

View profile of Martin Todd

Reader in Climate Sciences

[email protected]

View profile of Yi Wang

Prof Grace Carswell

Professor of Geography and International Development

[email protected]

View profile of Grace Carswell

Prof Priya Deshingkar

Professor of Migration and Development

[email protected]

View profile of Priya Deshingkar

Dr Daniel Haberly

Senior Lecturer in Human Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Daniel Haberly

Dr Anna Laing

Senior Lecturer in International Development

[email protected]

View profile of Anna Laing

Prof JoAnn McGregor

Professor Of Human Geography

[email protected]

View profile of JoAnn McGregor

Prof Clionadh Raleigh

Professor of Political Geography and Conflict

[email protected]

View profile of Clionadh Raleigh

[email protected]

View profile of Ali Ali

Prof Michael Collyer

Professor of Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Michael Collyer

Prof Russell King

Emeritus Professor

[email protected]

View profile of Russell King

Dr Ceri Oeppen

[email protected]

View profile of Ceri Oeppen

Prof Ben Rogaly

Professor of Human Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Ben Rogaly

Prof Paul Statham

Professor of Migration

[email protected]

View profile of Paul Statham

Dr Katie Walsh

Reader in Human Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Katie Walsh

Dr Tahir Zaman

[email protected]

View profile of Tahir Zaman

Dr John Barlow

Senior Lecturer in Applied Geomorphology

[email protected]

View profile of John Barlow

Prof Roger Moore

[email protected]

View profile of Roger Moore

Dr Fae Dussart

[email protected]

View profile of Fae Dussart

Prof Carl Griffin

Professor of Historical Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Carl Griffin

Prof Alan Lester

[email protected]

View profile of Alan Lester

Dr Simon Rycroft

Reader in Cultural Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Simon Rycroft

Prof Divya Tolia-Kelly

Professor of Geography and Heritage Studies

[email protected]

View profile of Divya Tolia-Kelly

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.

International students: £22,575 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs.

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Explore our campus

Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

Start your virtual tour

PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 877107 globalresearch@​sussex.ac.uk

Professor Priya Deshingkar Geography PhD Convenor +44 (0)1273 873239 p.deshingkar@​sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the School of Global Studies

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

Quick links

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What do you want to do next?

• Courses Browse our courses by subject area
• Sussex Life Find out about life at Sussex
• Visit Come to a PhD Open Evening
• Apply Find out how to apply

Postgraduate study

How to apply.

Information about our graduate degree programmes and guidance on how to apply to them is provided on this website.

To make an application please visit the University of Oxford's Graduate Admissions website.

Student visitors

Information on applications for the recognised (visiting) student programme .

Policy and criteria for external undergraduates who would like to formally take a year abroad as student visitors with the University of Oxford.

With over 200 graduate students from a range of nationalities, professional and disciplinary backgrounds we are one of the largest, most diverse and vibrant graduate schools in the world offering advanced degrees in Geography and the Environment. The inter-disciplinary nature of research and teaching, the interplay between theory and practice, the calibre and enthusiasm of the students and the School's leading position within the University of Oxford combine to produce an intellectually exciting environment. Students without previous experience of geography are encouraged to apply.

Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Geography and the Environment

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil, or PhD as it is known in most other universities) in Geography and the Environment is our premier research degree , awarded to candidates who have successfully completed a major piece of original research. The course provides support and an intellectual environment to pursue your own independent research. The DPhil in Geography and the Environment is offered as either a full time 3-4 year degree, or a part-time 6-8 year degree.

Find out more about the DPhil in Geography and the Environment

We also offer five taught graduate degree programmes:

Biodiversity, Conservation and Management (MSc/MPhil)

To respond to the challenges of conservation in the Anthropocence, there is a need for researchers and practitioners trained in the biological, social and political dimensions of conservation and with the ability to think flexibly and innovatively at the intersection of theory, policy and action.

BCM is one of the leading multi-disciplinary conservation post-graduate degree programmes, exploring the dynamic landscape of environmental, scientific, social, technological and economic drivers of conservation. Through study of case-studies and using a forward-thinking approach, students will be equipped with the conceptual knowledge to think critically about past, present and future biodiversity conservation and management.

Find out more about the MSc/MPhil in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management

Environmental Change and Management (MSc/MPhil)

This degree programme aims to produce students with a broad appreciation of all aspects of the management of people and institutions in relation to environmental change, who are analytical in their approach, and are competent and aware decision makers. Based in the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the programme emphasises cross-cutting, interdisciplinary approaches to the critical environmental problems of our time.

Find out more about the MSc/MPhil in Environmental Change and Management (ECI website)

Nature, Society and Environmental Governance (MSc)

Responding to profound political and environmental challenges requires a new generation of researchers and policy professionals who are able to think in innovative, rigorous and flexible ways across disciplinary and sectoral boundaries. This degree programme equips students with a theoretically sophisticated and empirically grounded understanding of the dynamic relations between environment, society and policy.

Find out more about the MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance

Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment (MSc)

Based in the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment (SSEE), this degree programme aims to address two fundamental challenges of our time: making the transition to a zero-carbon and environmentally sustainable economic model, and simultaneously enabling sustainable development for everyone, poor and rich alike.

Find out more about the MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment (SSEE website)

Water Science, Policy and Management (MSc/MPhil)

Sustainable water management is an increasingly complex challenge and policy priority facing global society. This degree programme aims to equip the next generation of water professionals with the blend of skills necessary to make a significant contribution to sustainable water management pathways across competing priorities of water for ecosystems, food, energy, economic growth and human consumption.

Find out more about the MSc/MPhil in Water Science, Policy and Management

Oxford 1+1 MBA Programme

Our five MSc programmes are part of the Oxford 1+1 MBA Programme which enables exceptional and motivated students to combine their MSc with the Oxford MBA. The MSc will provide you with the in depth understanding of the complex dynamic between environment, society and markets based on theory and empirical evidence. You will then apply this to your enhanced management skills. There is growing evidence that this 'depth + breadth' is what the world needs, and what employers seek.

Successful candidates for the Oxford 1+1 MBA Programme will need to meet the admissions requirements for both programmes and be admitted separately to both. For further information on the MBA programme and how to apply please see the Saïd Business School website. If you are submitting an application for the Oxford 1+1 MBA Programme you should notify us at [email protected] as well as submitting an application for the relevant MSc course. The MSc application process is explained on the relevant MSc pages of this website.

Geography at Oxford

Geography at Oxford has a long tradition and, we believe, an exciting future in a top-rated department, where new research initiatives and key contributions to scholarship are valued. The origins of the School of Geography as a university department lie in the establishment of the Halford Mackinder Readership in Geography in 1886: the first university position in a British university. Since that date geography has been taught continuously in Oxford, although in the earlier years, the main emphasis was on undergraduate teaching. Graduate studies are now a much more significant part of the School.

Graduate students and academic staff are working within and across the discipline. Research in key areas of environmental, human and physical geography is supported, from studies on migration, through pensions policies, biogeography, climate change, flood risk, desertification, biological and cultural diversity, and many other areas. Research is currently organised into several distinct research clusters, which also build synergies between themes by addressing common, cross-cutting themes such as governance, measurement and mobilities. For more details please see our research webpages and our staff profiles .

Our Teaching Approach

The emphasis in Oxford is on independent learning accomplished through research, writing and discussion. Students are expected to take responsibility for planning their own time and study programme and to ensure that the requisite work is accomplished. MSc courses offer a framework of core lectures, field courses, electives, and workshops and symposia for learning. Our courses are not standardised; individual classes reflect the research interests of individual faculty and often mix seminar-style teaching with discussions or practical exercises. We make every effort to treat each student as an individual and to help students customise their own learning. A common comment of students is that to get the most from studying in Oxford you need to be a self-starter and willing to explore opportunities in the wider University, which are exceedingly rich. This is particularly so for DPhil and MPhil students.

Oxford is famous for its small group tutorials. This is a characteristic of undergraduate teaching. Postgraduate teaching is provided on a one-to-one basis for DPhil and MPhil students (in the form of supervisory meetings) and in classes for MSc teaching. Electives are taught in smaller groups of normally no more than eight. Most of the rest of the MSc teaching is in class sizes of 20-30 (depending on the programme). Integrated classes (e.g. research skills) are taught in larger groups across the four MSc programmes.

For more information on studying in Oxford please visit the University of Oxford's Graduate Admissions website.

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Geography PhD

We offer PhD supervision across a wide range of human and physical geography topics.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025
• January 2026

Join us for a PhD in Geography. Our research engages with applied issues and public policy concerns. It also covers more abstract cultural and theoretical issues.

Meet our Geography research students and read more about their research activities

Our research strengths in physical geography include:

• paleoclimatology
• landscape evolution
• applied geomorphology and natural hazards
• Quaternary geochronology
• water science

We carry out research through active collaboration with colleagues in Newcastle University and beyond. Our research takes us to a wide variety of environments across the globe, including:

Examples of recent research projects include:

• new homonid discovery in South Africa
• Lake Suigetsu ultra-high-resolution palaeoclimate project
• impacts of recent catastrophic floods in the North of England
• impact of meltwater floods during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in Iceland

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funds many of our research projects. We are also a member of the IAPETUS Doctoral Training Partnership.

Our Physical Geography PhD involves advanced study and research into a specific area. You'll undertake fieldwork or lab-based research in topics such as:

• flood impacts on natural and human systems
• fluvial geomorphology and sedimentology
• glacial outburst floods
• glacial geomorphology
• volcano-ice interactions
• tectonic geomorphology
• geoarcheology

Find out more about our physical geography research

Our research in economic geographies is theoretically informed and politically engaged. It covers the production, forms, experiences and impacts of uneven geographies of:

• commodities
• intrastructure

Our team of internationally renowned researchers explore 'ordinary', diverse and/or ‘left behind’ economies and subjectivities. They also scrutinise orthodox socio-economic models and practices in the following contexts:

• western industrialised
• post-socialist
• post-colonial

Replace: Economic-geographical research constitutes much of the work in the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS).

Find out more about our economic geographies research

In power, space, politics our research focuses on the expression of political power across space and includes topics around:

• borders and boundaries
• critical geopolitics
• international development
• militarism and military geographies
• the politics of representation
• issues of resistance, justice and peace
• the geographies of memory and memorialisation

We conduct research on a range of scales. From the international and national to the individual, with reference to a range of global contexts. Our work is methodologically innovative, drawing on:

• interactional research
• ethnographic research
• discourse analysis
• participatory research
• visual research
• arts-based research
• trauma-informed research

This enables us to produce grounded, empirically informed reflections on the multiple ways in which concepts of power, space and politics intersect.

Find out more about our power, space and politics research

In geographies of social change we explore and extend an applied, critical and geographical understanding of social justice and transformation by researching:

• families and households
• welfare and care
• infrastructures

These lead us to connect with issues of:

Find out more about our geographies of social change research

Many of the research opportunities in geography are interdisciplinary and we are keen to encourage supervision across subject areas. For example, there are opportunities for joint supervision with Latin American researchers in the  School of Modern Languages .

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

How you'll learn.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of humanities and social sciences (hass) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
• IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership
• ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership
• Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership
• ONE Planet Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Subject to COVID-19 restrictions, you'll have access to:

• dedicated postgraduate study facilities
• GIS and cartography software
• fieldwork vehicles
• a suite of laboratories for the analysis of water and sediments for projects in geomorphology, environmental change and hydrology

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year), home fees for research degree students.

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

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PhD research

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We have one of the largest Graduate Schools of Geography in the UK. Currently, there are approximately 120 students registered in our PhD programmes. Our students are supported by 40 academic staff and by collaborative supervision with external individuals and organisations in the UK and worldwide, including a series of joint PhD programmes with international partners.

MPhil/PhD awards

Geography (option of joint phd with hong kong university or national university of singapore).

MPhil/PhD Research from the Department of Geography at King's College London, option of joint PhD with Hong Kong University/Humboldt/National University of Singapore.

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You will also be supported through your affiliation with one (or more) of our research groups, which sponsor seminars and other opportunities for learning and interaction with leading researchers.

• Contested Development 
• Physical and Environmental Geography
• Political Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services 
• Risk, Hazard & Society  
• Urban Futures

Membership of these groups is non-exclusive, and there is considerable collaboration and cross-research group activity. This is particularly the case for research on urban environment, land degradation, natural hazards, and climate and water.

Apply to study PhD research in Geography

We are delighted that you are considering studying for a PhD with us. We are a varied and diverse community, and we have several PhD programmes to reflect this. We also have part-time and joint degree opportunities.

Search our people directory to find a potential supervisor, whom you will need to contact with a CV and an outline of your research proposal (not more than four pages), including your intended research and methodology.

You are also welcome to contact our admissions tutors for further advice and guidance.

• Email our Human Geography admissions tutor: Professor Daanish Mustafa
• Email our Physical Geography admissions tutor: Dr Emma Tebbs
• Apply for a PhD with Geography
• Find a potential supervisor
• Search our postgraduate funding database

Why study with us?

Recently released data from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) shows that King’s is equal top in England (with Queen Mary, University of London) for its PhD completion rates. This means 86.8 percent of our full-time PhD starters qualify with a research degree within seven years, against a national average in England of 72.9 percent.

For best results, we suggest you explore our research expertise to ensure your intended project finds an appropriate supervisor.

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Geography and Planning

Established in 1966, the School of Geography and Planning is a leading international centre of excellence in teaching and research in spatial planning, human geography and urban design.

• Fees and funding
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The school offers Postgraduate Research (PGR) degrees. These principally include our PhD degree in Geography and Planning, as well as the possibility to pursue an MPhil degree.

As a Russell Group university, we welcome applications from high-calibre candidates committed to pursuing innovative, cutting-edge research that will contribute to academic and policy debates, nationally and internationally.

With our international and interdisciplinary research profile, we offer a rich and lively scholarly environment in which to conduct doctoral research. Currently, the school has a total of 55 full-time and part-time PhD researchers.

What we offer

We attract graduate talent who aspire to become future research and community leaders. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop their postgraduate research project in a vibrant and collaborative School at the cutting edge of research and impact. You will be supervised by two supervisors, who are leading the development of their discipline nationally and internationally; and one reviewer, who will assess written work and help prepare you for the viva examination.

The school has a tailored induction programme that develops the academic skills necessary for the successful implementation of your research project. Throughout your PhD project, you will be guided to prepare yourself for a successful academic career, as well as to acquire skills and knowledge for non-academic careers, including developing industry-focused relationships and collaboration activities. Postgraduate research students are supported to develop publishing skills and publish academic research independently or in collaboration with their supervisors.

The school also provides postgraduate research students with paid teaching opportunities in its undergraduate and MSc programmes and supports PGR students in acquiring teaching qualifications.

You'll also have access to a dedicated Doctoral Academy Team and Careers Service who further provide excellent training and skills development and will support your professional development throughout your PhD journey and beyond. Alongside discipline-specific research training, the Doctoral Academy also host a series of interdisciplinary community events and activities that help our PhD researchers connect with other students and research staff in your cohort, discipline, school and college.

Each postgraduate research student (including self-funded and part-time) is provided with a personal research budget (currently £750 per annum) which can be used according to individual research, IT or training needs. Furthermore, we provide additional research grants, on a competitive basis, for international conference participation. The conference fund is self-managed by the school PGR community.

Shared offices are allocated to PhD researchers at the School of Geography and Planning in the Glamorgan Building (grade I listed) and every full-time student has a dedicated desk and PC.

The University has a range of excellent research facilities and libraries , as well as outstanding social , study, sports and recreation facilities.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Student Disability Service. For more information, email Student Connect.

We have been awarded ESRC recognition for 1+3 and +3 PhD programmes.

Thus, first-year PhD students can gain the opportunity to undertake a scheme of study directly related to research training in planning, environment and housing.

First year PhD students will be expected (depending upon prior learning and experience) to undertake some or all of the MSc in Social Science Research Methods. Distinct routes through the course in planning, housing, sustainability, transport and regeneration are available.

A series of shared offices are available for PhD students and each full-time student has access to computer facilities.

As the largest Geography and Planning university department in the UK, we have over 60 full-time academic staff with a wide range of specialisms and expertise to supervise your PhD project. The school was recognised by the Government’s Research Excellence Framework 2021 as 9 th in the UK for Research Power, reflecting the scale, scope and strength of our research and impact.

Doctoral students represent an important part of our research community and are fully embedded in the research life of the school through active membership in our research groups and contribute to the school research culture. Our wide range of impact and engagement events provide students with a wealth of opportunities to present, listen, debate, read, learn from and meet with others in a supportive environment. Research is organised into four main groups with a number of crosscutting research centres:

Environment

The Environment Research Group is a large cluster of human geographers and planners interested in understanding and resolving contemporary global environmental challenges. Key concerns for group members range from climate change and food security to renewable energy and green infrastructure, through to rural development, biosecurity and sustainable food systems, energy transitions and post-Brexit environmental governance. Researchers draw on cutting-edge theoretical approaches from human geography, science and technology studies and political ecology, and utilise a range of methodological approaches such as ethnographic, participatory methods and ecological footprinting.

Social and Cultural Geography (SCGRG)

The school has one of the largest groups of social and cultural geographers in the UK, and SCGRG has an established track record in making theoretical contributions to feminist, Marxist, postcolonial, pragmatist, post-structural and ‘more-than-representational’ theory, and combining this with socially-engaged scholarship and impact. SCGRG research addresses a wide range of topics, including, platform economies; breastfeeding; gentrification; Fairtrade; housing and homelessness; drugs and alcohol; cycling; food banks; voluntary sector welfare; religion and spirituality; surfing; fashion; music; humour; dance; animal-human interactions; and allotments and community gardens.

Spatial Planning and Analysis in City Environments (SPACE)

The SPACE research group specialises in theoretical and applied research that actively engages with external audiences in the public, private and third sectors in the UK and international spheres. Its research covers a wide range of topics, including; housing and land markets, valuing built environment and infrastructure externalities, active travel and transport, spatial variations in social and health inequalities, accessibility and health outcomes, social capital and service provision, public participation, engagement and social justice in planning processes, urban design responses to social and natural problems, flood and wildfire risk and disaster planning, and urbanisation and urban poverty reduction in the developing world.

Economic and Political Worlds (EPW)

This group advances theoretical debate on the nature of urban, regional and city-regional spaces, and how they are shaped and transformed by various social, political, economic and environmental actors and processes. EPW members have made key theoretical, methodological, and policy-engaged contributions to understanding the foundational economy; energy and water security; antifascism; informality, economic development and regeneration; innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems; global production networks; corporate responses to Brexit; austerity and local governance; and the variegated geographies of welfare and the voluntary sector.

Research Centres

The school also plays a major role in several Research Centres and Research Institutes . These provide a platform for more significant programmes of cross-disciplinary research, combining the interests of several research groups and connecting with other schools in the University.

• Animal Geographies Research Cluster
• Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Space
• China-UK Research Centre for Eco-Cities and Sustainable Development
• Cities Research Centre
• Energy Research Cluster
• Informality Research Observatory
• Public Space Observatory Research Center
• Water Research Institute
• Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD)
• Research Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Food (SURF)
• Social Science Research Park (SPARK)

Impact & Engagement

Alongside multiple links and collaborations with industrial, consultancy and business partners, our staff and PhD community are committed to socially-engaged research with policymakers, practitioners and community groups. We have a strong track-record working with the United Nations (on urban food policy; low-carbon cities; sustainable housing and the urban informal economy), the European Union (for example, shaping legislation on animal welfare; regional innovation policy), and UK government and devolved governments (for example, on the societal barriers facing breastfeeding mothers; serving as Commissioners and Independent Review Panel members for Welsh Government on issues of transport and air-quality; helping protect the rights of religious minorities in the planning system; providing support to the Welsh National Food Policy and Rural Development Plan, the Scottish National Public Procurement Policy and DEFRA’s management of animal disease and biosecurity; and bringing legislative change in Wales that significantly improved accommodation outcomes for homeless people). Researchers also are engaged locally as part of the University’s civic mission : for example, improving outdoor education and child-friendly spaces in Grangetown; food procurement and food cooperatives; and developing the Cardiff City Region through the South Wales Metro project.

As well as dedicated support from our Impact and Engagement Unit, the school convenes Research Group and a school-wide seminar series. These give international visitors, academics and key politicians and policymakers a chance to discuss the latest research and translate this into policy and practice.

Information on forthcoming events can be found here .

Fully-funded competitive studentships

• AHRC studentships in Cultural Geography
• China Scholarship Council
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• ESRC Wales DTP ‘General’ studentships
• ESRC Wales DTP ‘Collaborative’ Awards
• Studentships associated with specific research projects

Loans and grants

• James Pantyfedwen Foundation Grants
• UK Government doctoral loans
• Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities .

Tuition fees

Students from the uk.

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Students from the rest of the world (international).

Admission consists of several steps. Initially, candidates need to submit a research proposal of 1000 words and a personal statement of no more than 500 words. These should be sent to the Postgraduate research Admission team: Ruth Leo and Andrew Williams . If successful at this stage, the applicant will be invited to provide a full package of documents consisting of degree certificates, recommendation letters, CV and English language qualifications on the online portal.

The research proposal, which should include the following:

• an account of research aims, significance, originality, and timeliness
• the principal research questions you will be posing
• theoretical approach and a critical overview of relevant academic literature
• proposed design/methods
• ethical considerations

The proposal should be no longer than 1000 words (excluding ethical considerations and references).

Personal statement

Potential applicants are required to identify the degree of "fit" between their proposed research and one or more of the school research groups. Applicants must identify two potential supervisors and gain a provisional supervisory agreement from at least one of them prior to application. Details on recent publications, ongoing projects and particular research interests of our staff are all available here.

How your application is considered

Applications are reviewed on the following criteria, including:

• the availability of 2 appropriate supervisors;
• the originality, relevance and strength of your research proposal;
• Academic qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.

We aim to process all applications within six weeks and will contact you with our decision as soon as possible. Proposals are reviewed by a specialist in the field. You may be required to attend an interview in person or via Zoom. For international students wishing to start in October please submit your application by the end of May to allow time to process visa application.

Equality and Diversity

As a School we are committed to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. To address historic and ongoing inequalities in Higher Education we seek to increase recruitment of currently underrepresented groups. Applications from Black/Black British, Asian/Asian British and minority ethnicity candidates are particularly encouraged and welcomed.

Academic requirements

Applicants should normally hold a First or Upper Second Class Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) or a Master’s degree in human geography, planning or a related social science discipline, with a minimum average grade of 60% in both the taught course units and your dissertation (or international equivalent of 60%).

English language requirements

We look for the following standard: IELTS minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least a score of 7.0 in the writing section, and no less than a score of 6.0 in other sections. TOEFL test minimum scores - at least 100 overall, 25 in writing, and a minimum of 20 in each subskill.

Please read our English language requirements for more details.

Academic contact(s)

Dr Andrew Williams

Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, PhD Admissions Tutor

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Duration: 4 years full time

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

UK fees * : £4,786

International/EU fees ** : £23,400

The Department of Geography is in the top tier of UK departments and has consistently been identified as one of the highest performing in successive research assessments (most recently, ranked 5th in REF2021). We have over 30 members of academic staff and notable research concentrations in Quaternary science, social, cultural, and historical geography, the GeoHumanities, geopolitics and security, development studies and sustainability. Ours is a vibrant postgraduate community of over 120 students, including some 80 PhD candidates, drawn from across the world. Subject to eligibility criteria, students can access funding from AHRC, ESRC, NERC, and EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships and Centres.

PhD students sit at the heart of our research culture and are supported in their work by world-leading academics and a dedicated team of technical staff. PhD students enjoy access to well-equipped laboratory and computing facilities and benefit from the exceptional range of partnerships the department has developed with charities, NGOs, industry, government departments, museums, and the creative sector.

The department’s research environment is driven by a number of well-established research centres and groups:

• the Centre for the GeoHumanities
• the Centre for Quaternary Research
• the Geopolitics, Development, Security and Justice research group
• the Social, Cultural and Historical Geography research group.

Research facilities and environment

The Department of Geography is well provisioned with computing and laboratory facilities to support its PhD researchers.

The department has a number of scientific laboratories supporting cutting-edge research in physical geography and Quaternary science, including geochemistry, geochronology (including luminescence dating, varve analysis, and tephrochronology), paleoecology, micromorphology, and sedimentology.

The department’s Geospatial and Visual Methods Laboratory is a dedicated postgraduate computing facility consisting of high-spec Macs and PCs with Geographical Information Systems software, advanced cartographic and image handling packages, and audio-visual editing software for the analysis of qualitative data.

The Humphries Graphics Suite houses specialist large-format printing and encapsulating services.

The facility is managed by the department’s Graphics Technician who can advise on the use of graphics software for producing diagrams, data displays, and artwork for publication.

PhD researchers also benefit from Royal Holloway’s postgraduate-focused facilities in the Bloomsbury area of central London, world-class research and library facilities in London more generally, and vibrant programmes of workshops and events organised by the department’s research groups.

PhD researchers are ordinarily assessed on the basis of a written thesis of monograph form and of not more than 100,000 words in length. Alternatively, for students engaged in practice-based research, Royal Holloway is one of the few geography departments internationally to offer assessment on the basis of a substantial body of performance or creative work, together with an accompanying written submission of 30,000–60,000 words. This mode of assessment may be particularly appropriate for candidates within the field of GeoHumanities. It is also possible, with permission, to submit a thesis that comprises a collection of papers, brought together via an introduction, methodology, critical evaluation and conclusion.

Entry requirements

The Department would ordinarily expect applicants to hold a UK 1st- or upper 2nd-class undergraduate degree (or a recognised international equivalent) together with a relevant Master’s degree (at Pass level or higher). Professional experience, particularly in the case of applicants wishing to pursue a practice-based PhD, will be considered in the absence of a Masters degree.

English language requirements

All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.

The scores we require

• IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
• Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
• TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.

Country-specific requirements

For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please see  here .

Our graduates have entered into a wide range of careers, within academia and beyond, including positions at the British Library, the Department for International Development, commercial consultancy, NGOs, think-tanks, major cultural institutions and museums, and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

A significant number of our graduates have remained in academia, going on to secure postdoctoral research positions and lectureships in a wide variety of disciplines. Supervisors work closely with PhD researchers to explore and support their career ambitions. PhD researchers have full access to the College’s Careers and Employability Service and many choose to take up the opportunity of research-related placements in relevant organisations during the course of their studies.

Fees & funding

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £4,786

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £23,400

Other essential costs***: There are no additional costs greater than £50 per item.

…How do I pay for it? Find out more about   funding options,   including loans, grants,   scholarships   and bursaries. 

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2024/25.

* Please note that for research courses, we adopt the minimum fee level recommended by the UK Research Councils for the Home   tuition fee. Each year, the fee level is adjusted in line with inflation (currently, the measure used is the Treasury GDP deflator). Fees displayed here are therefore subject to change and are usually confirmed in the spring of the year of entry.   For more information on the Research Council Indicative Fee please see the   UKRI website.

** This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25.   

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year. For further information, please see our  terms and conditions .

***   These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included. 

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We have 81 Geography PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

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Geography PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

Quantification of carbon sequestration during enhanced weathering: a novel trace elemental and isotopic approach, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Sensing wastewater for real-time public health PhD

Developing a wireless sensor for measuring water storage in glacier moulins, environmental noise and cardiometabolic health in uk populations, physical limnology and oceanography: hydrodynamical modelling of lakes, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unveiling Tipping Points in lakes

Investigating the effectiveness of chemical and thermal treatment methods in the radiocarbon dating of consolidated museum artefacts, ‘vulnerabilities’ and ‘capabilities’ within the context of protracted displacement crises, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Developing Diffusion Models for Electric Vehicle: Spatial-temporal analysis and policy evaluation (Ref: ABCE-CM1-24)

Building resilience through imagination and children’s knowledge (ref: abce-kc1-24), gene editing to improve salt tolerance in legumes - phd, a critical political economy of money, finance and finacialization, valuing green and blue urban landscapes, autonomous reality capture: from 3d data acquisition to digital twin creation, ammonia futures – the changing face of atmospheric nitrogen emissions.

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The Department offers a range of taught and research Masters courses, including Anthropocene, Conservation Leadership, Geography, Holocene, and Polar Studies. Our postgraduate students are part of the vibrant research culture of the Department.

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As well as Departmental opportunities, there are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources.

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The Department has a large community of around 80 PhD students working on their own projects. The PhD students at Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) study a broad range of topics that reflect the diverse interests of our staff.

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The Postgraduate Office in the Department of Geography manages the admission process for PhD students and Masters/MPhil students, and oversees the development of the postgraduate Training Programme and the MPhil programmes.

• graduate.enquiries @ geog.cam.ac.uk
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• School of Geography

Postgraduate: PhD

Our unique approach to research allows scholarship of international quality to flourish. Students are attracted to the School due to our distinctive focus on social justice, global development and environment.

Why QMUL Geography?

How to Apply

Fees and Funding

Research Environment

Supervision and Training

Our PhD Students

School of Geography and Planning

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Being a postgraduate researcher in the School of Geography and Planning enables you to become part of a vibrant research community.

At the cutting edge

As a postgraduate researcher, you will be conducting cutting edge research at a time when our disciplines are making critical contributions to environmental and societal discussions around the world.

Explore our interdisciplinary research.

School of Geography and Planning research

Access the support you need during your studies at the University of Sheffield.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in geography.

70 degrees at 44 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• PhD Geography
• PhD Applied Geology
• PhD Climatology
• PhD Economic Geography
• PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
• PhD Geology
• PhD Geophysics
• PhD Human Geography
• PhD Meteorology
• PhD Oceanography
• PhD Paleontology
• PhD Petroleum Geology
• PhD Physical Geography
• PhD Soil Science

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Geography, Environment and Development Studies MPhil/PhD

Birkbeck, university of london.

Our PhD programmes aim to train you to conduct research of the highest academic standard and to make an original contribution to the Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Online degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

Physical Geography and GIS PhD, MPhil - Forests and Peatlands

University of leicester.

The School of Geography offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and part-time Master of Philosophy Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Geography PhD

University of gloucestershire.

What is Geography We offer a range of postgraduate research opportunities for Geography at the University of Gloucestershire, these include Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,400 per year (UK)

University of Hertfordshire

A University of Hertfordshire research degree is an internationally recognised degree signifying high levels of achievement in research. Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,925 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,960 per year (UK)

Royal Holloway, University of London

About us The Department of Geography is in the top tier of UK departments and has consistently been identified as one of the highest Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Human Geography PhD

University of glasgow.

Our Human Geographers are ranked 1st in the UK for research publications and 1st in the UK overall for internationally excellent and Read more...

University of Hull

Geography and Earth Science research at the University of Hull is renowned for its international scope and relevance across human and Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Newcastle University

Join us for a PhD in Geography. Our research engages with applied issues and public policy concerns. It also covers more abstract cultural Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

University of Nottingham

A leading centre of postgraduate teaching and research, the School of Geography has internationally recognised strengths across the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

University of Plymouth

Physical Geography involves the study of environmental processes and change, and pressures on the environment arising from human activity. Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £3,180 per year (UK)

Bangor University

Geography research at Bangor covers both human and physically aligned work, with a strong interdisciplinarity and applied focus, Read more...

Migration Studies - PhD

University of kent.

We offer high-quality supervision across a wide range of social and public policy areas seeking to research and examine causes and effects Read more...

Geography MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

UCL Geography is an established international leader in geographical research. We are committed to theoretically informed empirical Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,015 per year (UK)

Queen Mary University of London

The breadth of the School's research expertise offers a wide range of opportunities for those wishing to embark on a programme of doctoral Read more...

PhD Geography (Arts)

Aberystwyth university.

The core scientific objective that underpins our research in the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences is to develop understanding of Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD in Geography and Environment

Manchester metropolitan university.

Discover your research degree study options, including areas of expertise for our academic supervisors. Our research degrees will help you Read more...

Physical Geography PhD

University of brighton.

For over 25 years, the University of Brighton has taken a leading role in physical geography research and its application. From Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,796 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,398 per year (UK)

University of Southampton

Join the University of Southampton, a global top 100 research-intensive university, where geography and environmental science ranks 5th in Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree
• 5 years Part time degree

Physical Geography MPhil/PhD

University of worcester.

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Physical Geography. Research at Worcester has grown Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,475 per year (UK)

Geography and Environmental Sciences PhD/MSc (Research)

University of birmingham.

Our Geography and Environmental Sciences PhD offers postgraduate research opportunities across the whole range of the School’s research Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,778 per year (UK)

1-20 of 70 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• Durham University
• Cardiff University
• King's College London, University of London
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Sussex
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Reading
• Ulster University
• London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
• University of Chester
• University of Lincoln
• University of St Andrews
• University of Oxford
• Loughborough University
• Keele University
• University of Manchester
• University of York
• Lancaster University
• University of Liverpool
• Queen's University Belfast

Related Subjects:

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• Entry year 2024
• Duration Full time 3 - 4 years, Part time 4 - 7 years

A great strength of LEC is its ability to share expertise and ideas from many disciplines in order to provide a flexible approach, which is so important in the dynamic, rapidly developing discipline of environmental science. Although the work is often organised within themes and research groups, there is much collaborative activity transcending these boundaries.

Your department

• Lancaster Environment Centre Faculty of Science and Technology
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 592032

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject, appropriate to the proposed research project.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Fees and funding

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

Similar courses

Environmental and earth sciences.

• Environment and Development MSc
• Environmental Management MSc
• Environmental Science MSc by Research
• Environmental Science PhD
• Flood and Coastal Risk Management MSc
• Flood and Coastal Risk Management PgCert
• Flood and Coastal Risk Management PgDip
• Political Ecology MA
• Sustainable Water Management MSc
• Volcanology and the Environment MSc

How to apply for a PhD

We offer a number of different routes to beginning your PhD study.

Develop your own self-funded PhD proposal

If you have your own research idea, we can help you to develop it. To begin this process you will need to find a PhD Supervisor from one of our research groups, whose research interests align with your own.

Apply for a funded PhD position

Every year we offer a range of PhDs funded by a number of different sources, including research councils, industries or charities. Browse the list of latest funded opportunities here.

Doctoral Training Centres

You can also apply for a PhD from one of the Doctoral Training Centres and Partnerships that work with the Graduate School for the Environment. Details of each of the Training Centres are provided here.

PhD Student Stories

Our PhD students are engaged in cutting-edge research, in locations across the globe. Take inspiration from some of our current PhD students.

Research Groups

Atmosphere, climate & pollution.

Critical Geographies

Earth Science

Ecology & Conservation

Environmental & Biogeochemistry

Geospatial Data Science

Plant & Crop Science

Political Ecology

Soil, Plant & Land Systems

Water Science

Laboratories

You will find yourself taking advantage of several laboratory facilities at Lancaster Environment Centre. There are our £4.4 million Teaching Labs, for example, as well as specialist facilities for Environmental Chemistry, Noble Gas, and Plant and Soil Ecology.

Research Facilities

There are no fewer than 15 purpose-built glasshouse modules, 16 controlled environment plant growth rooms, 4 solar domes based at the Hazelrigg Weather Station and a suite of ultraviolet radiation research facilities that can truly claim to be world-class.

Field Sites

You could find yourself working at a range of catchment science sites across England and Wales, including the local River Eden Valley, or they can travel much further afield to the tropical forests of the Amazon and Borneo.

Cutting-Edge Technologies

You can be trained to use a range of equipment, such as our Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Facility, X-ray CT Scanner, Magnetometer or the LI-COR Portable Photosynthesis System, which has the capacity to measure plant gas exchange with exceptional speed and precision.

Rich Data Resources

Dedicated support staff with expertise in GIS, statistics, modelling, information technology and programming are available to provide specialist training in all aspects of data acquisition, processing and analysis.

Postgraduate study is carried out in the Graduate School for the Environment. This is a collaboration between Lancaster University's Environment Centre, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and Rothamsted Research.

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information .

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies .

Why Lancaster?

League tables and reputation

A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.

Colleges and community

Your college will be your home away from home.

Careers and employability

Career support for our students through university and beyond.

Student life

Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.

Where is Lancaster?

Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.

The campus and the city

Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.

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Build your global community on campus and around the world.

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Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.

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• Undergraduate
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• Meet, visit and discover LSE

MPhil/PhD Economic Geography

• Graduate research
• Department of Geography and Environment
• Application code L7ZQ
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the economic geography field. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

The MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography aims to provide you with a rigorous and quantitative approach to the study of socio-economic phenomena that have a spatial and geographical nature, as well as their implications. This focus follows a general trend in the discipline and the growing need of policy advice to be solidly grounded in well-documented empirical regularities and properly established causal links. In order to satisfy these demands, the doctoral programme will give you advanced and up-to-date training in both traditional areas of economics – such as economic geography and spatial, urban and real estate economics – and more institutional approaches to these issues, such as those encompassed by regional science and local economic development. Moreover, the doctoral experience at LSE will expose you to an international, vibrant and multi-disciplinary research environment.

As well as taking your time to look through the sections below,  we also encourage you to take a look at our FAQs , which cover a range of frequently asked questions, including on the application process and funding.

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mphil/phd economic geography.

The programme is offered in the following alternative formats:

Either  the standalone MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography (+3 route)

Or  combined with the MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance (REEF)/MSc Local Economic Development (LED) progressing onto the MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography (1+3 route)

+3 Route: MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography (2-4 years)

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a taught master’s degree (or equivalent), with a minimum of 65 per cent average and at least 70 in the dissertation, in a related discipline including research methods training (eg economics, economic geography, regional science, local economic development).

1+3 Route: MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance (REEF) / MSc Local Economic Development (LED) (1 year) + MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography (2-4 years)

The 1+3 route is suitable for those individuals who do not hold a relevant postgraduate degree and is aimed at students graduating with an undergraduate degree in economics or closely related subject (economic geography, regional science, local economic development). (See entrance requirements for either the  MSc in Local Economic Development  or  MSc in Real Estate Economics and Finance ). The 1+3 Combined PhD Programme is only available as part of an ESRC Funded pathway. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who have not already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. The ESRC 1+3 scholarship covers the master’s and the PhD programme and so takes up to 5 years in total. Progression from the master’s onto the PhD programme is dependent upon performance in the master’s programme (Students must score 65 per cent overall and at least 70 in their dissertation to comply with the Department’s usual PhD entry criteria).

To apply for the 1+3 route, an application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway and associated funding within their personal statement. If you apply for the PhD programme directly, will not be considered for the 1+3 pathway.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - outline research proposal - sample of written work.

 See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 23 May 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme. The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover  living costs  or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Economic Geography

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.  

Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

In addition to progressing with your research, you are expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses. You may take courses in addition to those listed but must discuss this with your supervisor.

At the end of your second year (full-time), you will need to satisfy certain requirements and if you meet these, will be retroactively upgraded to PhD status.

Note: students who have graduated from either the MSc Local Economic Development or the MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance cannot repeat courses taken as part of their master’s programme.

(* denotes half unit course)

Training courses Compulsory (not examined) Staff/Research Students Seminars Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents. Compulsory subject-specific courses (examined) Courses to the value of one unit from a range of options.

One relevant advanced research methods course to the value of one unit from a range of options

Transferable skills courses Compulsory (not examined) Research Project Seminar Presentations by research students of aspects of their own research, stressing problems of theory, methodology and techniques.

Second year

Training courses Compulsory (not examined) Staff/Research Students Seminars Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents. Transferable skills courses Compulsory (not examined) Research Project Seminar Presentations by research students of aspects of their own research, stressing problems of theory, methodology and techniques. 

Fourth year

Training courses Optional (not examined) Staff/Research Students Seminars Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents. Transferable skills courses Compulsory (not examined) Research Project Seminar Presentations by research students of aspects of their own research, stressing problems of theory, methodology and techniques.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

You will be assigned a lead supervisor (and a second supervisor/adviser) who is a specialist in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. Lead supervisors guide you through your studies.

Progression and asssessment

Once on the MPhil/PhD programme you will go through a First Year Progress Review, taking place in the Spring Term of your first research year. This is Year 1 for students in the +3 programme and Year 2 for students in the 1+3 programme. For the First Year Progress Review, you must submit a written progress report containing an extensive and updated research proposal (typically including an introduction to the topic and motivation for the research; aims and objectives/research questions; contribution to knowledge; summary of methods to be used; and outline of the work to be done) and either a comprehensive literature review or a substantive draft of a chapter/paper as evidence of progress made during the year. Normally, there will be a progress review meeting between you and the supervisors (main supervisor and review supervisor) to discuss the written material presented. The work has to reach an acceptable standard to enable you to progress. There is provision for a second Supplementary Review in cases where there are doubts as to whether progress has been sufficient to allow entry to the second year (third year of the 1+3 programme). Progression to the second year (third year of the 1+3 programme) is also dependent on you having passed all required examinations and obtained at least one merit, and having presented your work satisfactorily in the doctoral presentation workshops.

All research students are initially registered for an MPhil and have to be upgraded to PhD status. The upgrade from MPhil to PhD usually occurs during the second year of full-time registration. This is Year 2 for students in the +3 programme and Year 3 for students in the 1+3 route. The exact timing depends on your progress. You are required to submit a formal written upgrade report consisting of an extensive revised research proposal, two substantive draft papers/chapters, of which one can be a literature review, and a detailed plan for completion. You will be asked to discuss your research paper/thesis outline during an Upgrade Meeting in front of an Upgrading Committee normally formed by main supervisor, review supervisor and a third member of staff with relevant expertise. The material is evaluated by the Upgrading Committee, who will recommend transferral to PhD registration if your work is judged to be of sufficient quality and quantity. The upgrade is also dependent on you having completed all required training courses and having made a satisfactory research presentation in your doctoral presentation workshop.

In addition to these formal arrangements, each year during the Spring Term and throughout the course of your studies, you and your supervisors have to complete a yearly Progress Report Form, detailing progress made, problems arising and plan/timeline for completion. The forms are sent to the relevant Doctoral Programme Director for approval before you are able to re-register for the following session. If perceived lack of progress is identified, it can trigger a more formal annual review of progress in which you will be asked to produce specific written documents to be evaluated by a review panel.

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Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

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Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

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LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

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As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

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Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Geography & Environment

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £35,000          

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Government, Public Sector and Policy   
• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
• Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

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Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

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Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

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Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

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Related programmes, mphil/phd regional and urban planning studies.

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MRes/PhD International Development

Code(s) Y2ZI

MRes/PhD Economics

Code(s) L1U4

MPhil/PhD Environmental Policy and Development

Code(s) L7ZS

MSc Local Economic Development

Code(s) L1S2

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PhD Human Geography / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

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• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online (Select PhD Geography, then PhD Human Geography).

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 20 January 2025.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

Programme options

Programme overview

• Become part of a stimulating and supportive research community at one of the top 5 Geography departments in the UK (THE World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
• Undertake research on a topic of your choice, supervised by an expert in that field.
• Join a department with a 130-year history of geographical studies.

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To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our virtual open week or future on-campus and international events.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out more about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2024 were as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 20 January 2025.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

You will need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor for a number of our scholarships. Therefore, we highly recommend you discuss these funding opportunities with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and ensure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees

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Research topics and degrees

Human Geography

In human geography our research is established around the following five groups:

Cultural and Historical Geographies

Space, politics and society, life geographies, environment and sustainability, energy policy, physical geography.

In physical geography our research is focused around the following two groups who work on past, present and future environmental change:

Cryosphere, Coastal and River Dynamics (CCoRD)

Landscape and ecosystem dynamics.

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Top 25 in the world for Geography

QS World University Subject Rankings 2022

6th in the UK for world-leading research in Geography and Environmental Studies

Based on 4* research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021

7th in the world for Geography

ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2021

High-quality research supervision, with access to excellent facilities

Research overview

Interdisciplinary research institutes

Geography is part of two interdisciplinary institutes:

Global Systems Institute (GSI)

Geography plays a key role in the Global Systems Institute: a transdisciplinary group of researchers, educators and partners developing transformative solutions to secure a flourishing future for humanity as an integral part of a life-sustaining Earth system.

Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)

Geography also contributes to the Environment and Sustainability Institute on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall which has allowed us to expand our expertise in environmental and social change into areas focused explicitly on ecosystem services.

Human Geography research groups

Focusing around six key themes:

• Geographies of creativity
• Creative geographies
• Historical geographies of science and exploration
• Geographies of landscape
• Visual, haptic and material geographies
• Theory and geophilosophy

This group is concerned with the question of ‘Who Gets What Where and How?’ We investigate contemporary geographies of inequality, injustice and insecurity, and seek to understand new scales of governance, the emergence of oppositional practices, and innovative forms of popular participation.

Research focuses on the geographies and politics of living and material systems. We address key questions around geography, life science and bio-politics. 

This is a group of leading and emerging social scientists who undertake interdisciplinary research on frontier issues of environment and sustainability. The group bring spatial and geographical dimensions to research on sustainability theory and policy, and undertake cutting-edge research in distinctive areas such as place attachment, political economies of energy, climate justice and ecosystem services.

Based at our Penryn Campus, Energy Policy is a core element of our wider environment and sustainability research and has a focus on placing sustainability and change at the heart of debates about energy policy and governance.

Physical Geography research groups

The CCoRD group investigates geomorphic and ecosystem changes in the cryosphere and in marine and coastal, and fluvial systems over the recent past, in the present, and into the future. Our fundamental aim is to understand how these different environments are responding to current environmental and climatic change.

This group builds on Exeter’s established strengths in water, sediment and nutrient cycling, but integrates expertise in ecosystem functioning, carbon dynamics and climate modelling. A key focus is on the links between landscape processes and ecosystem responses to human activity and climate change.

Geographers at Exeter also contribute to the cross disciplinary  Earth System Science group .

Research degrees

Successfully completing an MPhil or PhD entails undertaking an in-depth study of a particular topic and making an original contribution to knowledge in the field. Our MPhil/PhD students are actively involved in work at the cutting edge of research across the School’s research activities.

We welcome applications for MPhil/PhD study in human and physical geographies, and are particularly interested in projects that complement and extend existing strengths within and across our research groups.

Geography undertakes a clear upgrading process at the end of the first year of postgraduate research study. We will provide hands-on support throughout the duration of PhD study, working with you to ensure you achieve your potential and graduate within the stipulated timeframe.

The normal study mode is full-time, however students may be able to study part-time.

The MPhil is assessed through a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. Assessment of a PhD is normally by a written thesis of up to 100,000 words and viva (oral) examination.

Split site study for international students

Visa regulations normally prevent international students from following the part-time option, although it may be possible to undertake your research at a distance via split site study. This involves spending the majority of your time in your home country, although you will normally be expected to attend the University for limited periods and you will need to prove you have access to appropriate academic facilities locally such as libraries, labs, computers and desk space.

Split site students are normally employed by, or registered with, a local institution, but receive support and supervision from staff at the University of Exeter. Some international students have also been resident in Exeter but returned to their home country to collect data.

MPhil/PhD Sustainable Futures

The Universities of Exeter, Bristol, Bath, Plymouth and UWE Bristol have created the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) which draws together the established research excellence of academic and research staff at the five institutions. As part of the MPhil/PhD Sustainable Futures programme you will have supervisors from more than one discipline and more than one institution. Your home institution will be wherever your lead supervisor is based. Thus you will be able to benefit from the expertise of staff from a much wider base than is usual.

As a student of this programme you will undertake research that explores the interface between security, energy and the environment through engaging the latest critical thinking on risk management, critical infrastructure, public regulation, policy studies and the environmental sciences. Students on this programme could undertake research in the following areas: understanding the impacts of living with environmental change, the uncertainties of environmental change for energy and food security, and the diverse responses needed to foster behaviours, practices and policies that promote sustainability and resilience.

You will have access to numerous sessions, activities and resources through the SWDTP such as summer schools and advanced training events. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage with events offered within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, including reading groups and research seminar series. Further skills development is encouraged through our Researcher Development Programme.

Sustainable Futures falls under the umbrella of Human Geography (for fee information)

MSc by Research

Our MSc has been developed to allow you to undertake a research project in an area that interests you and successful students have the option to transfer to an MPhil or PhD on completion.

We welcome applications for study in human and physical geographies, and are particularly interested in projects that complement and extend existing strengths within and across our research groups. View staff profiles for more details of the research interests of individual members of academic staff.

The programme gives you the flexibility to shape your own research in an area of particular interest to you. Like other research degrees you will be required to work independently, but with the support and guidance of an appropriate supervisor.

As a postgraduate research student you will also be able to take advantage of the University's  Researcher Development Programme .

Support and supervision

We are committed to providing you with an effective and appropriate level of support. Our research studies culture promotes an inclusive and supportive environment and accessible supervisors.

You will be assessed by a written thesis or scientific paper of up to 40,000 words in length.

> Visit our Masters by Research webpages for more detailed information.

Normally students will have a good undergraduate Honours degree (UK Upper Second Class Honours or equivalent) and in some cases, a Masters degree. As part of your application you will need to be able to prove that you have the research skills, vision and motivation to make your research project a success.   Find out more about preparing a research proposal .

If you are seeking funding through one of the Research Councils (UK/EU students only), you will need to hold a minimum Upper Second Class Honours degree, although often these awards are won by those with First Class Honours due to high levels of competition.

You can start in September, January or April but we strongly encourage a you to enrol in Term 1 in September as induction events are focused around this start date. However, we do permit MSc by Research/MPhil/PhD students to enrol either at the start of Term 1, Term 2 or Term 3 (see the   University's term dates ), or on the 1st of any other month except August, September and October.

Requirements for international students

If you are an international student, please visit our  international equivalency pages  to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for the following degrees fall under:

• Human Geography - Profile B2
• Physical Geography - Profile B2

Fees and funding

Tuition Fees per year 2024/25

Human geography research.

• Home : £4,786 full-time;   £pro-rata part-time
• International : £22,600 full-time

Physical Geography research

• International : £27,500 full-time

For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our   Student Finance webpages .

Tuition fees per year 2023/24

• Home : £4,712 full-time;   £pro-rata part-time
• International : £20,500 full-time
• International : £25,000 full-time

Current funding opportunities

Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our Funded Centres .

Current available funding

Supervision.

You can expect:

• High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
• A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
• Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
• Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
• 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
• Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors

Find a supervisor

Training for all geography research students

We are committed to ensuring that all Geography research students receive tailored research training to suit their individual needs. Postgraduate research students are permitted to attend Masters lectures and there is a suite of Masters modules that would enable you to acquire particular skills that may be a specific area for development.

In addition, you will be encouraged to participate in the University's  Researcher Development Programme . This offers training in a wide range of generic and transferable skills in key areas such as research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking, teamworking, and career management. There will also be opportunities to gain teaching experience, to broaden the scope of your knowledge, and to make presentations about your work in various forums. You will also be encouraged to publish your work as you progress through your research studies.

Training specific to human geographers

We are a recognised ESRC training outlet for Human Geography, which means that we can bid for studentships from the research council. As such, we offer a four-year PhD programme (1+3) where the first year of study provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake a three year PhD on successful completion. Should you progress to PhD, you will then be eligible to apply for open studentships.

Training specific to physical geographers

We are also a recognised research training outlet for Physical Geography. As such, training is given to all Physical Geography research students in line with that approved by NERC and covering a range of topics including methodology, data collection and data analysis. We have been very successful in securing NERC funded studentships which currently last three and a half years.

No matter what your ambitions, aspirations or career choice may be there has never been a better, or more significant, time to study geography. Key global issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion are not only at the forefront of socio-political philosophies and attitudes, but are also deep-rooted within geography, making it one of the most relevant courses that you could choose to study.

You can be confident that a Geography research degree from the University of Exeter will serve you well upon graduation. Our students graduate with a wide range of skills desirable to employers including data gathering, problem solving, project planning, report production, presentation skills and team work. Almost all our research students have the opportunity to train to teach or teach, acquiring and practising additional transferable skills.

Opportunities on graduation are diverse and include work in academia, the voluntary sector, the public sector (eg, Environment Agency, councils), the private sector, and consultancy.

We offer a variety of research projects covering ocean, ice and terrestrial systems from physical geography but also research projects on urban futures form human geography.

The following projects provide a flavour of research areas in the Geography department, however if you are interested on a related area that does not appear on this specific projects, please do contact Ted Feldpausch, ( [email protected] ) and we will be able to put you in contact with relevant academics that can help you tailor the research project you would like to pursue.

Projects by topic

• Vegetation 
• Soils & Peatlands
• Rivers & coasts 
• Human Geography: urban futures

Find out more about the projects available.

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