PhD in Environmental Geography

Environmental Geography focuses on the interaction between humans and their environment. It combines aspects of physical geography such as sea level change and landscape evolution with elements of human geography such as resource management and environmental policy.

PhD candidates in Environmental Geography produce essential research that can contribute to towards solving some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time.

What’s it like to study to Environmental Geography?

Under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in your chosen topic, you’ll work towards completing a thesis of approximately 80,000 words, which should make a significant original contribution to the field of Environmental Geography.

Possible research topics include:

• Sustainable development
• Resource management
• Environmental hazards and disasters
• Planetary geomorphology
• Coastal processes
• Glaciation
• Marine ecology

Environmental Geography PhD students might employ a diverse range of research methods from surveys, focus groups and interviews to geomorphological mapping and sediment fingerprinting.

Alongside independent research, you may be required to undergo additional training or assist with undergraduate teaching.

You may also have the opportunity to gain experience in conference presentation or publish your work in academic journals.

PhD in Environmental Geography entry requirements

To apply for a PhD in Environmental Geography you’ll usually need an upper-second class Bachelors degree and a Masters in a relevant subject. Not all courses will require a postgraduate degree, but it’s worth bearing in mind that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and extra qualifications may be an advantage even where they are not compulsory.

A driving license may occasionally be required for advertised projects with a significant fieldwork element.

PhD in Environmental Geography funding options

The research councils usually responsible for funding Environmental Geography PhD projects in the UK are the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Research councils provide studentships covering tuition fees and living costs.

Full research council studentships are limited and competitive, so you may need to (at least partially) fund your PhD independently. Many students achieve this through the UK government’s doctoral loan, support from charities and trusts, part-time employment or a combination of these.

PhD in Environmental Geography careers

By the end of your PhD in Environmental Geography, you’ll be well placed to continue you career in research. However, many graduates go on to pursue non-academic roles in sectors such as conservation, policy analysis and environmental consultancy.