PhD Studentship in Geography

The Department of Geography, University of Portsmouth has a competitive fully funded (fees and maintenance) doctoral studentship available for three years (full-time) for a suitably qualified student to start in September 2012 (UK or EU students only). Applicants are invited to submit a research proposal that aligns with one of the following research areas within the Department.

Environmental Processes and Change: Physical Geography

Current research areas include; Fluvial geomorphology, channel changes and processes, channel management; Coastal geomorphology, processes and changes; Shoreline management; Stone weathering, mechanisms, environmental influences, conservation practices; Climate processes and change; Temperature variation in mountain areas, comparison between global datasets (surface, radiosonde and satellite data/reanalyses); Soil erosion, soil crusting processes, soil-vegetation interaction.

Human Geography

Human geography staff bring together research focussing on the geographies of economic development, labour, and cultures of work in different spatial and temporal contexts, including Europe and Latin America. Staff interests also cover material and sensuous geographies, ludic (playful) geographies, affirmative critique and creative methodologies.

Contemporary and Historical GIS and Cartography

The major areas of focus that link together individuals within this group and to outside collaborators include the use of historical cartography and historical GIS to investigate land use change, land use reconstruction, 19th and 20th century UK population change/mobility, 19th century US capitalism and industrial development

Our departmental research web pages provide more information on these research areas (www.port.ac.uk/departments/academic/geography/research). Staff web pages also provide more information on individual research interests and the specific projects that staff members have recently undertaken. Applicants wishing to undertake a programme of research that cuts across two or more of the above research themes are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants are expected to have a good first degree (minimum upper second class Honours degree or equivalent) and ideally a Masters (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. Non-accredited research and skills training is available through the University-wide Graduate School. If you so wish, you may discuss your ideas informally with a relevant member of staff. In the first instance you should contact Dr Nick Pepin (tel: 02392 842507 or email nicholas.pepin@port.ac.uk) who will also be happy to answer any questions regarding the application process.

All applications should use our standard application forms and follow the instructions given under the ‘Research Degrees Programmes' heading on the following webpages:- www.port.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/howtoapply.

Alternatively you may receive a hard copy by contacting the Faculty of Science, Postgraduate Admissions Office, St. Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT. Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550.

Application Deadline: Aug 3rd 2012

Funding Notes:

Tuition fees will be available for three years, full-time study (approximately £3,828 per year – UK and EU students only). Students will also receive a maintenance grant (£13,590 per year) during the full three year period.