PhD in Human Geography

Human Geography is a diverse field that studies the interaction between humans and their natural environment. It is one of two main branches of Geography, the other being Physical Geography – which focuses mainly on natural phenomena.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Human Geography, PhD candidates will likely conduct research spanning a number of disciplines such as Sociology, Politics, and Economics. By the end of your PhD, you’ll complete an independent research project that should make a significant original contribution to the field.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Human Geography?

You’ll spend the majority of your time as a Human Geography PhD candidate conducting independent research. Depending on the focus on your project, you’ll may use a diverse range of research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, field studies, and participant observation.

Some popular research areas include:

• Migration
• Urbanization
• Gentrification
• Poverty and inequality
• War and conflict
• Globalisation
• Digital geographies

Alongside your research, you may be required to attend additional training and help with undergraduate teaching. You may also have the chance to present at academic conferences and publish your work in journals.

There are a variety of advertised PhD projects available in Human Geography, but you also have the option of proposing your own project.

PhD in Human Geography Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for PhD projects in Geography is usually a 2:1 Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline, though a Masters degree is occasionally required. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so it’s likely that a postgraduate qualification will be an advantage, even if it is not required.

PhD in Human Geography funding options

The Research Council responsible for funding most Human Geography PhDs in the UK is the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), but depending on the focus of your project, you may also be able to apply for funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Research councils provide fully funded studentships that include coverage of your tuition fees, along with a stipend to cover living expenses. Advertised Geography PhDs will often have studentships attached. Students proposing their own research project may be able to apply for a studentship after being accepted onto a programme.

Many Human Geography PhD programmes, however, will only accept self-funded students. Options for independently financing your PhD include the UK government’s doctoral loan, part-time employment alongside your studies and support from charities or trusts.

PhD in Human Geography careers

Many PhD graduates in Human Geography will go on to pursue and career in research, but you’ll also be well-qualified to seek work in numerous other fields such as urban planning, local or national government, environmental consultancy or market research.