Why you should join us

Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.

Work with leading experts

We ranked 5th for real-world impact in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), with 100% of our research impact ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Choose from our flexible pathways

You can study full- or part-time, so our degrees fit your circumstances.

Protect the environment

Undertake ecological, environmental and geographical research that addresses challenges posed by socio-economic, cultural and political change.

Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities

We have instrumentation to analyse soil, lake and ocean sediments for environmental pollution (ICP-OES, IC), GIS/earth observation drones and software, and a biogeomorphology lab with 10m flume.

Get fieldwork experience and industry links

Work with industry partners, NGOs, and international collaborators, as well as completing fieldwork and research projects in the UK and overseas.

Get personal and professional training

We provide a comprehensive development programme for research students to learn transferable skills for careers in academia and industry.

Our research areas

Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.

  • Air transport and the environment
  • Biogeomorphology - the interaction between plant, animals and river sediments
  • Climate change
  • Conservation ecology and environmental biology
  • Environmental change
  • Environmental microbiology
  • Environment and earth systems
  • Low carbon futures
  • River science
  • Sustainability
  • Urban environments

Qualifications you can study

Choose from one of these programmes:

  • PhD Physical Science — three years full-time, six years part-time
  • MPhil — two years full-time, four years part-time
  • Masters by Research — one year full-time, two years part-time

Find out about the research degrees we offer.

Start dates

Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Application information

Entry Requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.

International students must have strong English language skills.

We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Find out more about our standard entry requirements.

How to apply for a research degree

Discover the key steps in the application process.

Scholarships, fees and funding