phd topics in human geography

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MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies

• Graduate research
• Department of Geography and Environment
• Application code L8ZG
• 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 field of Human Geography and Urban Studies. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

This PhD offers training both in human geographic research and in interdisciplinary approaches to understanding/ responding to the challenges of an era of rapid urbanisation and urban redevelopment around the world. Urbanization and development are the main focus of work by both staff and students associated with this programme. But it also provides opportunities for research on topics and issues within human geography which are not specifically “urban” but which relate to other areas of expertise and interest of academic staff within the Urbanization, Planning and Development cluster.

The MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies aims to: (i) provide advanced knowledge of the principles and conceptual foundations of human geographic and urban social science research, together with the research skills and methodological understanding needed to develop original research in the field; (ii) expose you to the most recent developments and debates in human geography and urban studies; (iii) prepare you for careers in research, academia, international organisations, urban planning and governance, the consultancy sector and NGOs.

The Urbanization, Planning and Development cluster of the Department of Geography and Environment involves a concentration of researchers with particular interests in how social, economic and political processes interact across a range of urban contexts in all continents, and in different conditions of development. Issues related to the urban economy are also strongly represented within the Department's Economic Geography cluster. Research students on this programme are strongly encouraged to engage with the full range of urban research, teaching and scholarship within LSE's wider urban research community.

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 human geography and urban studies.

The programme is offered in the following alternative formats:

Either  the standalone MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (+3 route)

Or  Combined with the  MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies  progressing onto the MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (1+3 Route)

+3 Route: MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (2-4 years)

The minimum entry requirement for the standalone PhD +3 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.

1+3 Route: MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies (1 year) + MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies (2-4 years)

The 1+3 route – suitable if you do not hold a relevant postgraduate degree – is aimed at students graduating with an undergraduate degree in geography or similar social science subject. See entrance requirements for the  MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies .

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 MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research), 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. Students who apply for the PhD programme directly, will not be considered for the 1+3 pathway.

Research proposal

All prospective students are expected to submit a three-page long (excluding references and appendix) research proposal, which will form part of their application package. Submitted proposals should briefly address: research questions and hypotheses; relevant literature and previous research in the field; potential contribution to knowledge; likely methods and approaches to be adopted; likely data and information sources to be used. A research timetable (of three or four years) must be included as an appendix. Note that we only accept PhD topics that are close to relevant staff interests, so we recommend prospective applicants to check our staff publications and current research agendas (our departmental web pages list key research topics).

Selection is based upon the quality of your research proposal, references, prior achievement, and the appropriateness of your research topic to the Department's research focus. While we normally interview prospective research students (in person or over the phone/Skype), your written proposal is of the utmost importance.

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. Programme fees cover 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. Fees do not cover  living costs  or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Human Geography and Urban Studies

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. Most School administered funding opportunities cover fees. For information on School funding opportunities, please see  Fees and funding opportunities .

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 courses listed below. You may take courses in addition to those listed but must discuss this with your supervisors.

(* denotes a half unit course)

Training courses Staff/Research Students Seminars  (c ompulsory - not examined) 

Contemporary Debates in Human Geography  Course(s) to the value of a half unit from the list of options available on  MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies   (compulsory - examined)

Relevant advanced qualitative research methods course(s) to the value of one unit from the following:

• Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design* 
• Qualitative Research Methods*
• Doing Ethnography*

If appropriate, other advanced research methods courses – for example in quantitative methods - can be chosen, subject to the supervisors' and the course teacher's approval. 

If you have completed  MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies  you must take different course(s) to those you have already taken.

Transferable skills courses

• Research Project Seminar (c ompulsory - not examined  except where student presentation forms part of the Annual Review or Upgrade process )
• Writing for the World

Second, third and fourth years

Training courses.

Staff/Research Students Seminars  (c ompulsory - not examined)  

Transferable skills courses:

Research Project Seminar  (c ompulsory -not examined  except where student presentation forms part of the Annual Review or Upgrade process )

Writing the World  (c ompulsory - not examined  except where student presentation forms part of the Annual Review or Upgrade process )

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.

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 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 either be allocated a principal supervisor and a review supervisor, or two joint supervisors. One or both will be specialist in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. The Department encourages – whenever possible – joint-supervision arrangements. However, please confirm your supervisory arrangements during your first meeting with your supervisor(s).

Joint supervisors will have a joint leading role throughout your studies, and you will be able to meet them separately or jointly. Students with a main and a review supervisor should be aware that the main supervisor will have a leading supervisory role during the doctoral studies, whereas the review supervisor will be involved less frequently, being primarily responsible for progress monitoring and participating in review and upgrading decisions (see below). However, please keep your review supervisor abreast of your progress throughout the year and discuss with him/her any matters arising as soon as possible.

Progression and assessment

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 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 obtaining 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 your main supervisor, your 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 the progress made, problems arising and a 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. 

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

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. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

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.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

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.

Student life

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. 

Student societies and activities

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 . 

Preliminary reading

Howard Becker, Writing for Social Scientists: how to start and finish yout thesis , book, or article (University of Chicago Press, 2007) Patrick Dunleavy, Authoring a PhD: how to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003)

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. The programme will also prepare you for careers in international organisations (eg the World Bank, OECD, UNEP or European Commission), urban planning, governance, the consultancy sector, infrastructure providers and NGOs.

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 .

Find out more about LSE

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

Experience LSE from home

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 . 

LSE visits you

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 . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, mres/phd anthropology.

Code(s) L6ZB

MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal)

Code(s) M9ZD

MPhil/PhD Sociology

Code(s) L3ZS

MRes/PhD International Development

Code(s) Y2ZI

Request a prospectus

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PhD Human Geography

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• 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

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 19 January 2024.

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 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

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.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are 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 19 January 2024.

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.

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
• 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
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

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

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

• IELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.0 in other sections.
• TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 in all sections.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.
• To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years.
• Other tests may be considered.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the programme.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

The University requires you to reside within a commutable distance from Manchester during your time as a registered student, unless you are on approved fieldwork/a formal placement or are on a period of Submission pending. This is to ensure that you are able to meet attendance expectations and participate in wider research activities within your discipline area and/or School.

Application and selection

How to apply, advice to applicants.

• Develop your own research proposal and project title.
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research.
• Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor.
• A 1,500 word PhD research proposal. Please state the word count on page 1 of the document.
• Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript;
• An up to date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information.
• You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process;
• International applicants must additionally provide English Language evidence (e.g IELTS).

Interview requirements

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team. You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

Re-applications

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.

Programme details

Programme description.

A PhD in Human Geography at Manchester will allow you to benefit from the supervision of world-leading academics who have reputations for research excellence.

The University of Manchester is one of the best places to study human geography globally, and our department has a high reputation for its research and teaching.

Your research will seek to help create a fair and sustainable future, engaging with themes such as:

• emotions, identities, place and geographic scale;
• everyday life in uncertain times;
• global production networks, development and labour;
• socio-spatial inequality and vulnerability;
• political economy of environmental use, governance and conflict;
• sustainable cities and green transitions;
• urban politics and mobilities;
• urban transition and crisis;
• critical cartography.

Our human geography staff members hold editorial positions with major journals, such as Antipode, Area, Geography Compass, Geoforum, International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, and Progress in Human Geography.

In addition, there are three research groups containing human geographers at Manchester:

• Mapping, Computing and Geographical Information Science (MCGIS) ;
• Society and Environment Research Group ;
• Cities, Politics and Economies Group , which is part of the wider  Manchester Urban Institute , the umbrella organisation for research into cities at the university.

Our PhD students are members of these groups, and all are appointed two supervisors to assist them with their research.

Recent PhD graduates have been appointed to positions at leading universities in Europe, the Americas and East Asia, while others now shape national and international policy agendas through their work in government agencies, research institutes and activist organisations.

Special features

Geography has been studied at Manchester for more than 125 years, and we're one of Europe's best-equipped universities for the subject.

We're also home to world-class academics and the Manchester Urban Institute .

Our work examines national and international urban environments, what affects them, and how we can help to create a fair and sustainable future.

As a PhD candidate in Geography , you'll also be part of the School of Environment, Education and Development  (SEED) which is a unique interdisciplinary collaboration between the disciplines of Architecture, Education, Geography, International Development and Planning, Property and Environmental Management.

What unites us is a shared commitment to highlight and address the uneven relationships between societies, economies and the environment.

We want to understand better the world in which we live, and to offer solutions to the problems within it.

We acknowledge that a complex and interconnected world presents many challenges for analysts, but researchers in SEED are pioneering new evidence, measures, concepts and theories in order to address these challenges in practice.

SEED's world-leading research is rooted in everyday life but international in relevance and scope, addressing social, economic and environmental concerns across the globe.

Additional programme information

Humanities Doctoral Academy

Our Humanities Doctoral Academy combines the strengths of our four schools to bring expertise, knowledge, support and high-quality services for postgraduate researchers.

We are a community of academic leaders and postgraduate researchers across all levels in the Faculty of Humanities. The Doctoral Academy Hub houses our specialist professional service teams who support postgraduate researchers throughout the programme journey. This includes admissions, registration, student experience, progression, examination, and graduation. We collaborate closely with other University directorates including Manchester Doctoral College, Researcher Development team, and the corresponding Doctoral Academies in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Together we provide the best experience and support for your studies and research.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

All appointments are made on merit.

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

When you become a postgraduate researcher, you'll join a diverse and vibrant community of doctoral students from nearly 100 different countries, all studying within the Faculty of Humanities.

You'll be assigned to a specific research grouping that complements your research interests and have access to a variety of interdisciplinary research institutes.

Our working environments are often spacious and open plan, giving you plenty of opportunities to communicate with colleagues and staff within the School, and you will have your own desk space as well as access to our fantastic range of libraries on campus.

All our academic supervisors are research active and will support you to work on challenging research problems and develop rigorous, creative and original research.

You can expect to meet with your supervisor at least once a month to discuss progress on your project.

As a postgraduate researcher, you'll have access to a large and diverse community of internationally recognised academic experts offering an environment that will stimulate intellectual debate and development. We provide additional financial support for several activities related to your PhD, including:

• presenting at international conferences;
• attending workshops that provide relevant professional opportunities;
• conducting fieldwork in the UK and overseas.

Important notice

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) aim to run advertised fieldwork in the 22/23 academic year and we very much hope that students will be able to enjoy the fieldwork experience in the usual way. The ability of fieldwork to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork might be necessary, will remain subject to the current global situation and factors such as the:

• rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
• educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
• availability of appropriate insurance cover;
• availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.

We will therefore assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any decisions to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

Any fieldwork that does go ahead will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all our students and staff. 

If the fieldwork does not go ahead as planned, then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.

Related research

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) Human Geography was assessed as part of The University of Manchester's 'Geography and Environmental Studies' submission.

92% of our research was judged to be in the highest two categories (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'.

Our research impact was also judged to be strong, with 100% judged to be (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'.

Find out more about our Geography research at Manchester.

What our students say

Discover what it's really like to conduct postgraduate research at The University of Manchester on our student spotlights page.

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on our Humanities PGR blog .

We are one of Europe's best-equipped universities for geography, with numerous laboratories.

These include the main teaching laboratory, microscopy laboratory, and sediments and project laboratories.

You can also learn professional skills such as coding and programming specialist, industry-standard software such as image processing, GIS, GPS and cartographic representation.

The University's Main Library is the largest university library system in the UK apart from the copyright libraries and has several different working spaces.

It is home to the University Map Collection, which comprises about 100,000 map sheets of every part of the world.

For more information, please see our Facilities website .

The University of Manchester Library

Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's greatest research libraries.

Find out more about libraries and study spaces for postgraduate research students at Manchester.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.

For more information, email  [email protected]

Career opportunities

As a postgraduate researcher, you'll have access to a dedicated Researcher Development Team who will support your professional development throughout your PhD journey and beyond.

Our researcher development programme will enable you to become more aware of your developing researcher identity, equipping you with the skills you need during your PhD and prepare you to integrate into the researcher community.

At every stage of your career, you'll receive relevant, effective and comprehensive professional development opportunities.

We offer training sessions to build your skills and confidence in writing and presenting, with specific sessions on viva preparation, thesis submission and preparing for your Review Panel. You'll also have access to a range of workshops, covering areas such as:

• increasing research impact;
• making the most of social media;
• publishing in journals;
• applying for fellowships;
• designing academic posters;
• improving time and self-management.

In addition, our Humanities training hub - ProGRess@humanities - gives you additional training opportunities within the University.

You can choose courses in public engagement, wellbeing, language training and teaching, alongside more specialist courses in tools and software such as Python, R and NVivo.

methods@manchester , meanwhile, is an initiative that gives you the chance to learn from the very best in research methods expertise at Manchester and beyond.

Regular talks, workshops and other methods-related events are organised throughout the academic year, bringing in experts from across the University and externally.

Finally, taking a placement provides a great opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange and to develop professional networking opportunities for your future career development.

We have established Postgraduate Researcher Exchange programmes with a small number of institutions around the world, offering you the opportunity to visit another institution, access research resources and experience another academic culture as well as build professional networks.

Successful applicants will receive some funding towards travel expenses, accommodation, subsistence, education materials and/or other education-related costs for anything from two weeks to a three-month visit.

Recent PhD graduates have been appointed to positions at leading universities in Europe, North America and East Asia, while others now shape national and international policy agendas through their work in government agencies, research institutes and activist organisations.

For more information, see Careers and employability .

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

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Human Geography, Social Science and Humanities PhD Opportunities

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Enquiries, applications and admissions

The Department of Geography has a strong PhD community in the social sciences and humanities, funded by UK research councils, the Gates Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust. We currently have 12 students funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council,. In October 2013, five new students will commence research, funded by the economic and Social Research Council through the university’s Doctoral Training Centre. We anticipate having at least two ESRC 1+3 studentships to award for October 2014.

We welcome enquiries and applications from those with backgrounds in Human Geography, Social; Science and the Humanities, in any related and relevant discipline (e.g. Geography, History, Economics, Anthropology, Political Science, English or Law). Applicants should hold, or expect shortly to obtain, at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent.

• UK / EU nationals who wish to be considered for a Economic Research Council (NERC) studentship or a Cambridge Home and EU Scholarship Scheme (CHESS) award. Deadline: Friday, 13 January 2012 . Read further details.
• Non UK nationals who wish to be considered for a scholarship administered by the University of Cambridge for an October 2012 start: deadline 15 th October 2011 for students from USA and 2nd December 2011 for students from all other countries. Read further details.
• Anyone who has secured full funding already. Please apply as soon as possible and at least 3 months before the start date, i.e. by 30 March 2012 for October 2012 start. Read further details.
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HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | DEVELOPMENT STUDIES | HUMAN ECOLOGY

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PhD in Human Geography

At present around fifteen Ph.D. candidates are pursuing their Ph. D.s at the Department within the different research groups found at the Department. Ph.D. positions are financed by the Department, or through external funding, with most Ph.D. projects being funded externally. Since the amount of external funding varies from one year to another it is very difficult to predict when opportunities for Ph.D. positions become available and in what sub-fields they are opened. To be able to provide supervision, the Department only admits Ph.D. candidates within fields of current research. It is not possible to be admitted to the Ph.D. programme without being fully financed. The Department only handles Ph.D. applications in relation to advertised positions. Ph. D. positions are advertised through the Lund University website.

To qualify for the doctoral programme the applicant needs to fulfil the general requirements of at least 240 course credits, out of which 60 credits need to have been taken at the Advanced level. In addition, the candidate needs to have completed 30 credits in Human or Economic Geography, or related field, at the Advanced level, with 15 credits or more being comprised of a thesis. 

The doctoral programme consists of coursework as well as the writing of a thesis. The thesis can be in the form of either a monograph or a compilation thesis. 

In 2014 the general syllabus of the Ph.D. programme was updated. Ph.D. candidates who were accepted under the 2007 general syllabus can choose which syllabus to follow. Candidates admitted to the programme in 2015 will be following the new syllabus.

Courses and activities offered within the Ph.D. programme

SASK001 Specialization course, general reading course

SASK001 Literature

SASK002 Specialization course, specialized reading course

SAKO001 Specialization course - conference participation I

SAKO002 Specialization course - conference participation II

SAKO003  Specialization course - conference participation III

SASD001 Specialization Course, seminar participation and participation in doctoral activities

SASP002 Specialization course – thesis plan

The Department is a member of the national research program in human and economic geography.

Courses that are offered within the programme

PHD Education in Human Geography

Director of Studies for PhD education in Human Geography

Henrik Gutzon Larsen

henrik_gutzon [dot] larsen [at] keg [dot] lu [dot] se

Syllabus for the Ph D programme 2020

PhD dissertation guidelines  (in Swedish)

PhD studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences

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Human geography PhD

For the last two decades, the University of Brighton has made significant contributions to research into key social, political and environmental concerns that constitute twenty-first-century lives. From investigating spaces of authority, activism and protest, to examining embodied politics and practices of access, property rights and citizenship, our human geography staff and PhD students are leading research at the intersections of society, space and environment.

Much of our work takes a critical approach to grounded and material realities and seeks to define and address a range of transformative agendas. Research by human geography-focused staff and PhD students is being used, for example, to examine sexual and gendered inequalities and liveabilities, biopolitics and migration, affect theory, deindustrialisation, emergent theorisations of the commons in relation to new social movements, and political ecologies of enclosure and resource extractivism across a range of geographical contexts.

Recent and current PhD students have been successful in obtaining studentships covering both fees and living costs through the University of Brighton’s involvement in the  AHRC Techne Doctoral Training Programme  and the  ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Programme . 

Our Human Geography PhD students have gone on to a variety of different roles following the successful completion of their research. These include academic posts as lecturers and postdoctoral research assistants at the University of Brighton and elsewhere, plus research roles in, for example, the water industry. Many have gone on to management positions in related areas such as directing an events and education not-for-profit consultancy focused on global citizenship and diversity, working with funding agencies in the UK and internationally.

Apply to 'environment' in the applicant portal

Apply with us for funding through the ESRC South Coast  Doctoral Training Partnership

Key information

As a human geography PhD student at Brighton, you will benefit from:

• a supervisory team comprising two or three members of expert academic staff. Depending on your research specialism, you may also have an additional supervisor from the , or another research institution or external partner.
• desk space and access to a desktop PC, usually in one of the postgraduate offices on the sixth floor of the award-winning Cockcroft Building. You will additionally benefit from access to a range of electronic resources via the university’s Online Library, as well as to the physical book and journal collections housed within the Aldrich Library and other campus libraries.
• The Brighton Doctoral College, which offers a training programme for postgraduate researchers, covering research methods and transferable (including employability) skills. Attendance at appropriate modules within this programme is encouraged, as is contribution to the School’s fortnightly seminar series and research centre/group activities. Academic and technical staff also provide more subject-specific training.

Academic environment

The close relationship between human geographers in the School of Applied Sciences and staff in cognate areas of the University including the School of Humanities and Social Science,  the School of Art and Media, and the School of Sport and Health Sciences, provide an ideal home for research across the breadth of human geography.

We provide PhD students with opportunities to work with leading scholars in diverse areas that examine spaces, power and justice across the spectrum of human geography. Our interdisciplinary supervisory teams enable students to undertake research that straddles traditional disciplinary boundaries and incorporates, for example, philosophy, queer theory, politics, anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies, history and cultural studies.

We look forward to hearing from human geography PhD applicants, particularly where there is an intersection with our major areas of specialism:

• Biopower, borders and security
• Cultural and political geography
• Economic anthropology and economic geography
• Embodiment, affect, performance and process
• Environmental futures and sustainability
• Geographies of development
• Geographies of finance
• Geographies of gender, sexes and sexualities
• Geographies of racism
• Geographies of sport and leisure
• Methods in human geography
• Political ecology
• Power and place
• Spaces, power and justice

Some of our supervisors

Dr daniel burdsey.

I am interested in supervising doctoral students in all areas related to my research interests in sociological, cultural and geographical analyses of race, ethnicity and popular culture. In particular, my work addresses: theorising race and racism in football, with particular focus on connecting ideas around Empire, de/coloniality, racialised identities and anti-racist resistance; Black British leisure, musical and sonic cultures and spaces; the experiences of British Asians in sport and leisure; and social, cultural and geographical aspects of the contemporary English seaside and coast, especially the connections between race, whiteness, migration and ‘new’ spaces of multiculture;

PhD students currently working with me are undertaking research on: football fans' engagements with Muslims and Islam at the 2022 men's FIFA World Cup in Qatar; conflicts, protest and resistance around modern Olympic Games; identities and experiences of mixed-race university students; tourism in post-Communist Romania; and Black British contemporary intellectual thought. 

Dr Alex Channon

I am able to supervise doctoral research across the fields of sociology, cultural studies, and politics as they pertain to sport, physical education, fitness, and related fields. However, I am particularly interested in sociological studies of the following specialist topics:

• Martial arts and combat sports
• Sport-related violence
• Risk, injury and medical care in sport
• Consent in sport

Prof Rebecca Elmhirst

I am currently supervising four PhD students, two of whom are part of a H2020 Marie Curie Sklodowska Innovative Training Network. I am interested in supervising MRes and doctoral projects relating to (feminist) political ecology, and in particular, projects that relate to social and environmental justice, climate and agrarian resource extractivism, decolonial thinking and critical approaches to sustainable development. 

Dr Mary Gearey

I am interested in supervising postgraduate research students (PhDs and MRes) in the following areas: community led water resource governance; sustainable water futures; elder environmental activism; nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, degrowth theory in relation to environmental citizenship.

Dr Paul Gilchrist

I would be interested in supervising postgraduate students in the following areas:

- Geographies of sport and leisure- Playful cities and urban everyday life- Community-supported agriculture / community gardening

I also welcome discussions on other potential topics.

Dr Jason Lim

I am interested in supervising PhD students in the following areas: critical race theory, de/post-colonial studies, feminist activism, sexualities, trans studies, political philosophy, history of ontology.

Dr Catherine Kelly

I welcome the opportunity to supervise PhD students with an interest in the areas of tourism and wellbeing, place and wellbeing, sustainability, nature-based tourism, coastal tourism, blue spaces, water and wellbeing, rural tourism, cultural/heritage tourism, national parks and biospheres.

Dr Nicholas McGlynn

I'm interested in supervising postgrad projects in (but not limited to) the following areas: sexual politics outside the metropolis; social and cultural geographies of fat men; Participatory Action Research with LGBTQ communities; and Bear subcultures and spaces.

Dr Douglas McNaughton

Political economy of television production. Aesthetics and narrative in television. Historical development of British television. Representations of space, place and identities in British screen cultures. Science fiction, fantasy and horror, in particular, British folk horror. Telefantasy, world cinema, screen technologies, the sociology of space. Screen acting and performance.

Prof Lesley Murray

I am interested in supervising doctoral students on a range of topics including transport and mobilities, urban sociology, visual sociology and gender and generation. In addition, I welcome proposals from students seeking to adopt creative and inventive methodologies and methods. I am currently supervising projects on: lived experiences of the anthropocene; urban place-attachment across generations; sequential art in architectural practice; urban pocket parks; generation and automobility futures; and the wellbeing of refugee children.

For further supervisory staff including cross-disciplinary options, please visit  research staff on our research website.  

Making an application

You will apply to the University of Brighton through our online application portal. When you do, you will require a research proposal, references, a personal statement and a record of your education.

You will be asked whether you have discussed your research proposal and your suitability for doctoral study with a member of the University of Brighton staff. We recommend that all applications are made with the collaboration of at least one potential supervisor. Approaches to potential supervisors can be made directly through the details available online. If you are unsure, please do contact the Doctoral College for advice.

Please visit our How to apply for a PhD page for detailed information.

Sign in to our online application portal to begin.

Fees and funding 

 Funding

Undertaking research study will require university fees as well as support for your research activities and plans for subsistence during full or part-time study.

Funding sources include self-funding, funding by an employer or industrial partners; there are competitive funding opportunities available in most disciplines through, for example, our own university studentships or national (UK) research councils. International students may have options from either their home-based research funding organisations or may be eligible for some UK funds.

Learn more about the funding opportunities available to you.

Tuition fees academic year 2024–25

Standard fees are listed below, but may vary depending on subject area. Some subject areas may charge bench fees/consumables; this will be decided as part of any offer made. Fees for UK and international/EU students on full-time and part-time courses are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

Contact Brighton Doctoral College

To contact the Doctoral College at the University of Brighton we request an email in the first instance. Please visit our contact the Brighton Doctoral College page .

For supervisory contact, please see individual profile pages.

School of Geographical Sciences

Phd in human geography.

All PhD programmes in Bristol are delivered via the Bristol Doctoral College and general information can be found on their website and please also see the University's Postgraduate study  pages.

PhD students in Human Geography generally align with the research groups in the department, Historical and Cultural , Political Economy and Quantitative Spatial Science , although many students cross groups depending on the needs of their specialist topic. Within Human Geography we have international expertise in a wide range of methodological approaches include advanced quantitative modelling, qualitative analysis and documentary approaches.

We regularly admit students who already have funding or are willing to self-fund their studies. For applications we ask that prospective students provide a research propsal on a topic they are interested in studying. For examples of topics that are currently being undertaken see our  Scholarships  page.

This list is not exhaustive, so if you have another idea or project in mind, please contact  potential supervisors  or the  postgraduate admissions tutors  to discuss and develop further.

Scholarship opportunities for September 2024

The postition aims to begin in September 2024 and runs for 4 years. The application deadline is  Monday 29th April 2024.

Please remember to select 'University of Bristol Scholarship' under the funding options section of your application. 

SWDTP applications for September 2024: Now closed

Human Geography are currently involved in two major UK research council doctoral training programs within the ESRC funded South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) and recruit through the annual SWDTP annual funding competition.

• ESRC Human Geography 1+3 SWDTP Scholarships. 
• ESRC Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) 1+3 SWDTP Scholarships.

P lease see the SWDTP website for more information about funding options.

The application deadline for the University of Bristol is Wednesday 13th December.   We regret that we cannot consider applications for funding received after the deadline.

Please select 'Economic and Social Research Council' under the funding options of your application.

If your application to the University of Bristol is successful you will then be required to apply for funding through the SWDTP. More information can be found on their website and you will work with your supervisor throughout this process.

How to apply

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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 2024
• January 2025

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. Subject to COVID-19 restrictions, 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

Our location in the north east is a European periphery. Our researchers in this theme explore 'ordinary', diverse and/or marginalised economies and subjectivities. They also scrutinise orthodox socio-economic models and practices in the following contexts:

• western industrialised
• post-socialist
• post-colonial

Economic geographies contribute much of the work in the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies.

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

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

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 understanding of cities and urbanism. Ideas that run through our research include:

• 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 2024 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

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Geography Politics and Sociology Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 3921  Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social media

Get involved with the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology social media. 

• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

MPhil/PhD Human Geography

Key Information

MPhil: 1.5-3 years. PhD: 2-4 years

MPhil: 2-4 years. PhD: 3-8 years

Entry Requirements

Brayford Pool

Start Dates in October and January

Programme Overview

Human Geography seeks to explore the relationship between people and their communities, considering language, religion, economic and government structures, and a broad range of other cultural aspects. Through independent research, supervisory meetings, and departmental seminars, conferences, and research workshops, this research programme provides the opportunity to conduct an in-depth research project in an area of human geography, and aims to build key skills for positions in academia, research, spatial/social planning, and development consultancy and management.

The Department of Geography offers the opportunity to work at doctoral level alongside academics whose research has been internationally recognised. Students can benefit from a supportive academic community, where ideas and experiences are shared with the aim of advancing knowledge.

Lincoln's human geographers are working on projects exploring socio-spatial inequalities; environmental history and historical geography; climate policy and politics; environmental management; governance and behaviour; health and wellbeing; colonialism and (de-)coloniality; and geospatial big data.

Key Features

Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research

Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills

Supervision and support from academic staff

Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work

Enrol in January or October each year

How You Study

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent on independent study and research. In addition, students are expected to attend School, Department, and research group seminars and confercences, and engage in training opportunities in support of their studies provided by the Department, School, and the wider University.

Students will regularly meet with their academic supervisors, however, the frequency of this will vary depending on study mode, individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and project progress.

Research Areas and Topics

The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area. The first thing that all prospective students should do is directly contact a member of staff from one of these areas that you feel is best aligned with your chosen research area to discuss the application process further.

Potential areas of work are aligned with the Department's current research strengths and specialisms and include (but are not limited to):

• Socio-spatial inequalities
• Sustainable rural, agricultural and urban communities
• Geographies of health and wellbeing
• Climate policy, politics and governance across geographical scales
• Environmental management/governance and behaviour
• Environmental history and historical geography
• Coloniality and decoloniality
• Perceptions of ‘place’
• Geospatial big data
• Development studies

You can also find out more about current student research projects .

Research Groups

Development, Inequality, Resilience, and Environments (DIRE)

This group addresses the most urgent and immediate threats to the resilience of human environment systems and seeks to understand the complex interactions between societies and the landscapes they inhabit that precipitate vulnerability, including rural and urban dynamics.

Explore Our Research

Lincoln Climate Research Group (LCRG)

This group addresses the physical, social, environmental, and political causes and drivers of climate variations over a range of temporal and spatial scales in the Global North and Global South.

How you are assessed

Students will be required to demonstrate adequate and appropriate progress on an annual basis. Most students are initially enrolled on an MPhil programme, and after the first year they may apply for transfer to a PhD programme via a written report on which they will be orally examined.

Both the MPhil and PhD are awarded based on the quality of a student's thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend their research in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or un-derstanding.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Research Application Support

Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.

Research Proposal

Once you have identifed a research topic, you are invited to contact the supervisors that you feel are best suited to your research area to discuss the process further. We have wide areas of expertise in the Department, including social, political, cultural, historical, and economic geographies, alongside environmental health, fluvial and coastal process, biogeography, and climate change.

Applications should include a CV and a research proposal (not exceeding 3000 words, including references) with an indicative structure as follows: Names of proposed academic supervisors, aims and purpose of the research, overview of the academic literature relevant to your field, proposed methodology, and expected outcome/impact of your research. Upon positive evaluation of your proposal, you will be invited for an interview to discuss your personal/academics skills and your research project.

To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or January. In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor and Programme Leader on an individual basis.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

First or second class honours degree in Geography or related discipline.

For direct PhD entry, applicants should possess a relevant Master's or MPhil degree in Geography or related discipline.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements pages.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills

Programme Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.

Funding Your Research

Loans and Studentships

Find out more about the options available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Meet Our Postgraduate Researchers

Meet PhD student Soseala Tinilau, whose doctoral research is exploring how the island of Tuvalu can strengthen its resilience to climate change through greater environmental education in schools and better policy development across local government and key organisations.

Career Development

A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research. A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills that can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. PhDs and research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.

The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.

Doctoral School

Academic Contact

For more information about this course, please contact:

Dr Mark Schuerch [email protected]

Research at Lincoln

Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities and make a tangible difference to the world around us.

Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching

At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.

We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed. For more information about how we are working to keep our community safe, please visit our coronavirus web pages .

Geography, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geography

The specialized academic and professional training students receive in the PhD program in geography is sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.

In addition to innovative coursework, the state-of-the-art Spatial Analysis Research Center and Urban Climate Research Center offer students the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty on diverse research projects. Students have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of climate science, sustainability and environmental science, urban heat island research, GIS and more.

Students in the program have the ability to build a path of knowledge that reflects their personal interests within the realms of geography. Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in four broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

• computational spatial science
• earth systems and climate science
• place, identities and culture
• sustainability science and studies

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3)

Electives or Research (43 credit hours)

Methods or Statistics Electives (6 credit hours)

Skills Electives (6 credit hours)

Specialization Electives (9 credit hours)

Other Requirement (5 credit hours) GCU 529 Contemporary Geographic Thought (3) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) GCU or GPH 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Doctoral students entering with a bachelor's degree must complete 84 credit hours. These hours include 72 credit hours of coursework and research at ASU and 12 dissertation credit hours.

Doctoral students entering with a master's degree must complete 54 credit hours. These include 42 credit hours of combined coursework and research hours at ASU and 12 dissertation credit hours.

Coursework and research hours are selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee. The program recognizes that other graduate-level courses are offered at ASU. Advanced courses are often taught in omnibus courses, courses that have rotating content and whose content is not reflected in their titles. Students may include these courses in their curriculum with approval of the program directors.

The other requirement course, Seminar: Geography Colloquium, is taken twice, once in each of the first two semesters of the program, for one credit hour each. Other courses may be used with approval of academic unit.

Up to six credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied toward the plan of study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Incoming students must demonstrate or attain competence in cartography and quantitative methods and complete other basic coursework that will enable them to pursue graduate studies in their area of specialization.

The personal statement must address four items:

• What specialty in geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
• What aspects of the applicant's education (a description is needed) will enable the student to pursue this specialty?
• What additional training does the applicant believe can be obtained at Arizona State University to realize the applicant's educational and career goals?
• Applicants should provide any other information they feel should be considered in their application for admission, e.g., research experience or information which might be drawn from the applicant's resume.

Letters of recommendation must be from three faculty members who can attest to the applicant's academic achievements.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in geographical sciences research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including institutions of higher education, consulting firms, government agencies, research facilities and community organizations. Skills in geographical data analysis, mapping and climate science are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

• atmospheric, earth, marine or space sciences professor or instructor
• environmental scientist or specialist
• geographic information systems technician
• geophysical data technician
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-7533

Human 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.

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.

More information can be found on the departmental website:  Human Geography MPhil/PhD

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 within interdisciplinary research centres across UCL, and are encouraged to make use of opportunities to network with leading academics across a variety of research fields. 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 supports 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 and 5 years for part-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 9- 18 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.

In your 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 make 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.

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We have 12 Human Geography (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Human Geography (fully funded) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

‘water stories: capturing, mapping and sharing stories and imagined futures in the forth water basin’ - - a prestigious, fully-funded, 4-year phd studentship linked to an exciting, ground-breaking £5m ukri-funded local policy innovation partnership, 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 (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.

‘Innovation and Enterprise Ecosystems: Optimising Business and Economic Development in the Forth Water Basin’ - - A prestigious, fully-funded, 4-year PhD studentship linked to an exciting, ground-breaking £5m UKRI-funded Local Policy Innovation Partnership

‘optimising social network connectivity and opportunities across a socio-environmental system: the case of the forth water basin’ - - a prestigious, fully-funded, 4-year phd studentship linked to an exciting, ground-breaking £5m ukri-funded local policy innovation partnership, ‘optimising individual, community and societal value and outcomes from water resources: the case of the forth water basin’ - - a prestigious, fully-funded, 4-year phd studentship linked to an exciting, ground-breaking £5m ukri-funded local policy innovation partnership, domestic phd scholarship – social science and on-ground implementation of natural flood management, the decarbonisation divide: emergent socio-spatial inequalities on the path to a low-carbon future, greening the belt and road initiative, just transition of coal-mining regions, illegal water use: assessing the extent, drivers, and solutions in irrigated agriculture, 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.

Governing Housing Retrofit: The Role of Social Intermediaries

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Cultural and Historical Geography

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Thematic areas

Students are welcome to choose either from the open positions or formulate their own research proposal within the topics described below. In both cases contacting the supervisor in advance is highly recommended. 

Dissertation topics are focused on the issues of cultural and historical geography with interdisciplinary overlap into regional geography, history, sociology, religious studies, archaeology etc.

Development Studies

Dissertation topics are related to broadly-defined development studies and development geography. Interdisciplinary interests in various intersections and interactions between development, society, and environment are welcome.

Economic Geography and Regional Development

Dissertation topics related to broadly-defined economic geography and regional economic development based on various conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches as well as a focus on various geographic scales, from global developments to their regional and local manifestations.

Geographical and Environmental Education

Students are invited to conduct their own empirical research in the field of geographical and environmental education at all levels of education (primary, secondary, tertiary), investigating all of its aspects (learners, educators, curriculum and resources, school environment, pedagogy, policy makers, etc.).

Health Geography

The topics of PhD theses should be related to the field of health geography. Geography of health is a discipline applying geographical information, perspective, and methods to the study of health, disease, and healthcare. Students are invited to contact the prospective supervisor and discuss their potential dissertation topics.

Migration Studies

Dissertation topics can focus on various aspects of both international migration movements and migrants´ integration processes. Various innovative, theoretical/conceptual, and methodological approaches are appreciated. More specifically, research activities could tackle the underlying factors of international migration, and its mechanics and impacts, at various regional-geographic levels. 

Political Geography

PhD dissertation themes concerned with political geography are understood in terms of interdisciplinary perspectives. A key theme is to consider political geographical questions in relation to contextual effects, which arise from differentiations in local and regional contexts and also from differentiations across the contexts of nation states.

Tourism and Leisure Geography

Students are invited to conduct their own research in the field of tourism and leisure geography. A combination of analytical work based on quantitative methods as well as qualitative and field surveys are welcome. It is possible to connect PhD scholarship at the Geography of Leisure Research Center to partial employment within the projects of pure and applied research. 

Urban Studies

Students are invited to conduct their own empirical research in the field of urban geography. A combination of analytical work based on statistical methods, cartographic visualisation, and a case study approach is welcome. The main emphasis is put on team work and the production of scientific publications. Feel free to contact the prospective supervisor and discuss possible directions.

Urban and Regional Research

Doctoral dissertations contribute to the academic and societal knowledge and discussion about the developments and transformations in metropolitan areas and their dynamically changing neighborhoods through researching social and socio-spatial processes that are key drivers of urban spatial reorganization, such as revitalization, gentrification or suburbanization.

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Research topics

For the working group Regional Sciences / Applied Human Geography the three terms space, communication and intervention form the coordinate system in which the research and teaching areas of the working group can be classified.

With regard to the concept of space, a constructivist understanding of space is assumed, in which spaces and regions are understood as the result of social construction processes.

Communication is understood as the central mode of operation of society, through which spatial semantics are also produced. These spatial semantics or everyday regionalizations also have an orienting and structuring character in modern society.

Since the working group is particularly concerned with applied teaching and research, communications on spatial interventions and their societal effects as objects and analytical perspectives are of particular relevance.

Due to the applied research orientation, the regional and local authorities are important cooperation partners for the acquisition of third-party funding projects at different scale levels.

On the basis of this basic orientation, the working group Applied Human Geography / Regional Sciences deals with the following fields of work:

Urban Studies

(in-)security, risk and space, tourist space semantics and tourism spaces.

At the centre of this field of work is the semantics of the city and its manifold communicative charges, e.g. as an observation and demarcation category, as an orientation aid, as an intervention platform. For the working group, this results in various analytical perspectives. In addition to dealing with urban communication patterns, rules and paths and their classification in social contexts, the focus is on urban interventions in particular. Within the framework of urban governance discourse and against the background of a constructivist understanding, the critical examination and further development of intervention methods, instruments and programmes is at stake. Important knowledge of the working group's milieu results from a wide range of cooperation and political consulting activities. These include network work, reflection activities, process moderation and participation and activation measures.

Spaces, regions and thus ultimately spatial semantics are always also crystallization points, media or objects that are associated with (in)securities or risks or occur in communicative contexts of (in)securities or risks. Spatial (in)securities and risks, which are taken into focus by the working group, can be constituted, e.g., by:

• crime, everyday irritations or forms of violent conflict (warlike conflicts),
• social uncertainties and problems (e.g. migration, demographic change, unemployment) affecting society as a whole, and finally
• ecological risks and hazards (environmental and geo risks).

In this field of research, the question complex is investigated how and with which consequences these connections between (un)security, risk and space are constituted, how to deal with (un)secure spatial semantics, and finally to what extent spatial semantic (un)security is dealt with in the form of interventions. In this field of work, the mass media occupy a prominent position as carriers of information and communication.

Especially in the tourism economy, spatial semantics and spatial images are very often used. These semantics and images serve both the external representation and orientation of tourist target groups as well as the self-representation of tourism organisations and tourist image producers. For these reasons in particular, spatial semantics or spatial abstractions are sometimes produced and marketed very professionally and memorably in the tourism industry. The content and organisational aspects of the production of spatial semantics, their mediation and orientation in the context of self- and external perception as well as the effects and effects of interventions are the focus of this field of work.

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146 Impressive Geography Research Topics Every Student Will Like

Are you a student seeking inspiration for your next geography research project? Look no further! In this article, we present you with a treasure trove of 146 original and top-quality geography research topics, completely free of charge. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in geography or simply passionate about exploring the world around you, these topics cover a wide range of fascinating subjects.

From human geography and cultural landscapes to physical geography and environmental sustainability, we’ve got you covered. Each topic is carefully crafted to ignite your curiosity and help you delve deeper into the field. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery as you uncover unique research ideas that will captivate both you and your readers.

Areas Of Geography

Geography is a field of study that explores the Earth’s physical features, human activities and their interactions. It examines the spatial patterns, processes, and relationships between the environment and society. Geographers investigate the Earth’s surface, analyzing its landscapes, climate, ecosystems and resources, as well as the distribution of populations, cultures, economies, and political systems. There are several types of geography, each focusing on specific aspects of the Earth’s physical and human dimensions:

Physical geography examines natural phenomena like landforms, weather and ecosystems. Human geography studies human activities, such as population distribution, urbanization and cultural landscapes. Economic geography explores the spatial patterns of economic activities, trade and resource distribution. Political geography analyzes the political systems, boundaries and geopolitical relationships between regions. Environmental geography investigates the interactions between humans and the environment, including environmental issues and sustainability. Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing employ technology to analyze spatial data and maps.

These subfields together provide a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s complexities and its relationship with human society.

Easy Geography Research Paper Topics

Want to write your paper in just a couple of hours? Explore a curated list of accessible and easy geography research paper topics that will make your geography research paper writing a breeze:

• The impact of climate change on coastal regions
• Exploring the relationship between geography and tourism
• Analyzing urbanization trends in developing countries
• Investigating the effects of deforestation on biodiversity
• Examining the role of geography in natural disaster management
• Studying the cultural landscape of a specific region
• Analyzing the geography of food production and distribution
• Exploring the impact of transportation on urban development
• Investigating the geography of renewable energy sources
• Analyzing the spatial patterns of population growth
• Studying the impact of globalization on local economies
• Examining the geography of water resources and management

Human Geography Research Topics

Improve your chances of getting a top grade! Delve into the complex interplay between humans and their environment with this comprehensive list of human geography research topics:

• Exploring the social implications of gentrification in urban areas
• Analyzing the influence of gender on migration patterns
• Investigating the impact of globalization on cultural identity
• Examining the geography of poverty and social inequality
• Studying the relationship between health and geographical location
• Analyzing the spatial distribution of ethnic communities in cities
• Investigating the geography of political power and governance
• Exploring the role of geography in shaping human behavior
• Analyzing the impacts of urban sprawl on communities
• Studying the geography of education access and quality
• Examining the spatial patterns of crime and its socio-economic factors
• Investigating the geography of healthcare provision and disparities

Cultural Geography Research Topics

Interested in cultural geography? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures and their geographical influences with this captivating list of cultural geography research topics:

• Analyzing the cultural landscapes of indigenous communities
• Exploring the impact of globalization on cultural diversity
• Investigating the geography of language and its preservation
• Examining the influence of religion on cultural landscapes
• Studying the role of cultural heritage in tourism development
• Analyzing the geography of cultural festivals and events
• Investigating the spatial patterns of cultural diffusion
• Exploring the impact of migration on cultural identities
• Analyzing the geography of music and its regional variations
• Investigating the role of food culture in shaping identities
• Examining the spatial distribution of cultural institutions
• Studying the geography of art and its impact on communities

Physical Geography Research Topics

Do you want to write about physical geography? Investigate the natural processes and phenomena shaping our planet through this collection of compelling physical geography research topics:

• Analyzing the processes of coastal erosion and their impacts
• Investigating the formation and characteristics of river systems
• Examining the effects of climate change on glacial landscapes
• Analyzing the spatial patterns of soil erosion and conservation
• Investigating the biogeography of specific ecosystems
• Exploring the impacts of climate on vegetation patterns
• Analyzing the geography of water resources and hydrology
• Investigating the formation and classification of landforms
• Examining the spatial distribution of biodiversity hotspots
• Studying the interactions between humans and the natural environment
• Exploring the impacts of urbanization on natural landscapes

Geography Thesis Topics

Are you busy planning your thesis? Engage in an in-depth exploration of geographic concepts and theories with this thought-provoking list of geography thesis topics:

• Investigating the geographical aspects of sustainable development
• Analyzing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities
• Exploring the role of geography in disaster risk reduction
• Studying the geography of migration and refugee movements
• Examining the relationship between urban planning and social equity
• Analyzing the spatial patterns of energy consumption and renewable solutions
• Exploring the geographical dimensions of political conflicts and peacebuilding
• Investigating the role of geography in land use planning and conservation
• Examining the impacts of globalization on local economies

Urban Geography Thesis Topics

Are you interested in writing about urban geography? Analyze the complexities of urban landscapes and urbanization processes with this curated selection of urban geography thesis topics:

• Analyzing the effects of gentrification on urban neighborhoods
• Investigating the role of urban design in creating sustainable cities
• Examining the spatial patterns of urban sprawl and its consequences
• Studying the geography of social segregation in urban areas
• Analyzing the impacts of transportation systems on urban mobility
• Investigating the relationship between urbanization and public health
• Exploring the geography of informal settlements and slums
• Analyzing the impacts of urban green spaces on quality of life
• Investigating the geography of urban food systems and food security
• Examining the role of technology in shaping smart cities
• Studying the spatial distribution of cultural and recreational amenities in cities

PhD Research Topics In Geography

Expand the boundaries of geographical knowledge and contribute to the field with this diverse and stimulating list of PhD research topics in geography:

• Analyzing the geography of environmental justice in urban areas
• Investigating the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities
• Examining the role of geography in disaster risk governance
• Studying the spatial patterns of land use change in rapidly urbanizing regions
• Analyzing the impacts of transportation infrastructure on accessibility and equity
• Investigating the geographical dimensions of health inequalities
• Exploring the relationship between globalization and urbanization processes
• Analyzing the geography of political conflicts and territorial disputes
• Investigating the impacts of natural resource extraction on local communities
• Studying the spatial dynamics of international migration and its consequences
• Exploring the geography of innovation and knowledge economies in cities

Captivating Research Topics In Geography

Looking for some captivating research topics in geography? Ignite curiosity and scholarly interest with this awesome collection of research topics that delve into various aspects of geography:

• Investigating the geography of mega-cities and their challenges
• Analyzing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal regions
• Exploring the spatial patterns of cultural landscapes and heritage sites
• Studying the geography of borderlands and transnational interactions
• Examining the impacts of tourism on local communities and environments
• The role of geography in understanding human-environment interactions
• Analyzing the spatial distribution of environmental pollution and its impacts
• Exploring the geography of global food systems and agricultural practices
• Investigating the impacts of natural disasters on urban resilience
• Examining the role of geography in understanding urban inequalities
• Studying the geography of geopolitical conflicts and their implications
• Exploring the impacts of technological advancements on landscapes

Interesting Geography Research Topics

Discover a wide range of interesting geography research topics that will pique your professor’s curiosity and offer new insights into the world of geography:

• Analyzing the impacts of climate change on glacier retreat and water resources
• Investigating the geography of renewable energy transition and its challenges
• Examining the spatial patterns of urban heat islands and their mitigation strategies
• Studying the impacts of land use change on biodiversity conservation
• Investigating the role of geography in understanding cultural diversity
• Exploring the geography of disease outbreaks and their spatial spread
• Investigating the impacts of natural hazards on human vulnerability and resilience
• Examining the spatial distribution of ecological corridors
• Studying the geography of regional economic disparities and development strategies
• Exploring the impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban accessibility
• The role of geography in understanding weather patterns

Good Geography Research Topics For 2023

Looking for some current topics to write about? Choose from a list of good geography research topics for 2023 that showcase the relevance and significance of geography in today’s world:

• Impacts of population growth on urban infrastructure and services in geography
• Geography of water scarcity and its implications for communities
• Spatial patterns of environmental conservation and protected areas in geography
• Impacts of land degradation on agricultural productivity and food security
• Geography of natural resource management and sustainable practices
• Relationship between climate change and human migration patterns in geography
• Spatial distribution of environmental justice and marginalized communities
• Impacts of urbanization on water pollution and ecosystem degradation
• Geography of renewable energy sources and their integration into the grid
• Role of geography in understanding regional conflicts over natural resources
• Impacts of deforestation on biodiversity loss and ecosystem services

Geography Topics For Research For College

Need some great geography topics for research for college? Explore a comprehensive list of geography research topics tailored for college-level studies, offering opportunities for critical analysis and exploration:

• Impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban air quality in geography
• Geography of urban gentrification and displacement
• Spatial patterns of urban food waste and its environmental consequences
• Impacts of tourism development on fragile ecosystems in geography
• Geography of environmental migration and its social implications
• Role of geography in understanding climate adaptation strategies
• Spatial distribution of environmental inequalities and environmental racism
• Impacts of land use change on water quality in agricultural regions
• Geography of geopolitical conflicts and territorial disputes
• Impacts of industrial pollution on urban health and well-being
• Role of geography in understanding disaster preparedness

Interesting Geography Topics For High School

Get the most interesting geography topics for high school. Foster geographical curiosity and critical thinking skills with this intriguing list of essay topics designed specifically by our best dissertation service writers for high school students:

• Analyzing the impacts of climate change on the polar regions
• Investigating the geography of natural hazards
• Examining the spatial distribution of endangered species
• Studying the impacts of urbanization on wildlife habitat fragmentation
• Exploring the geography of cultural diversity and multiculturalism in cities
• Investigating the role of geography in understanding climate variability
• Analyzing the spatial patterns of population distribution and density
• Investigating the geography of international migration and refugee flows
• Examining the impacts of tourism on local communities and cultures
• Studying the geography of natural resources
• Exploring the role of geography in understanding global inequality

Engaging Geographical Research Topics

Embark on a captivating journey of geographical exploration with this diverse collection of engaging geographical research topics, connecting people, places and the environment through insightful investigations:

• Urban sprawl impacts on land use and ecosystem services in geography
• Geography of renewable energy transition and its challenges
• Spatial patterns of urban heat islands and impacts on residents
• Impacts of climate change on coastal erosion and shoreline management
• Geography of water scarcity and implications for human populations
• Role of geography in understanding geopolitical conflicts and peacebuilding
• Spatial distribution of environmental pollutants and health effects
• Impacts of globalization on local economies and cultural landscapes
• Geography of gender inequalities and spatial dimensions
• Impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities and recovery
• Role of geography in understanding migration dynamics and urbanization
• Geography of political borders and their social and economic implications

Affordable Thesis Help You Can Rely On

When it comes to working on a geography research paper or a thesis for Master’s degree , our company is your trusted source for comprehensive writing help. Our team of expert writers consists of experienced professionals who specialize in geography, ensuring that you receive top marks for your school or class. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality and impressive custom written theses tailored to your specific requirements.

With our secure and fast online service, you can access thesis help that is not only affordable but available 24/7. Rest assured that your work will be handled by native English-speaking experts (ENL writers), guaranteeing exceptional quality and adherence to academic standards. Trust us for all your thesis needs and achieve academic success with ease.

Make sure to check our posts with other topics before you leave:

• 122 Best Ecology Topics To Sparkle Your Writing
• 195 Top Anthropology Topics For Great Thesis
• 170 Fantastic Astronomy Topics For High Scoring Tests

Why is choosing a great topic important when writing a geography essay?

Choosing a great topic ensures that your essay is engaging, relevant, and allows you to demonstrate your understanding of key geographical concepts while capturing the reader’s interest.

How can I choose a great topic for my geography essay?

To choose a great topic, consider current geographical issues, areas of personal interest and the availability of reliable sources. Additionally, ensure that the topic aligns with your essay’s objectives and requirements.

What are some strategies for narrowing down a geography essay topic?

To narrow down your topic, focus on specific geographical regions, phenomena, or concepts. Consider exploring the intersections between different aspects of geography, such as human and physical geography, to create a unique and well-rounded essay topic.

Can I get assistance in choosing a great topic for my geography essay?

Yes, you can seek guidance from your instructor, consult reputable academic resources or utilize online platforms that provide topic suggestions. Engaging in discussions with peers or experts in the field can also help generate ideas and refine your topic choice.

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Top 50 Geography Research Topics [Revised]

Geography isn’t just about maps and memorizing capital cities; it’s a dynamic field that delves into everything from understanding our planet’s physical features to unraveling the complexities of human societies. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey through fascinating geography research topics, ranging from climate change and urbanization to cultural dynamics and emerging trends. Whether you’re a curious student or simply someone intrigued by the world around you, join us as we explore the diverse realms of geography research.

What Are The Three Main Topics Of Geography?

Table of Contents

• Physical Geography
• Study of Earth’s physical features, processes, and phenomena.
• Example: Investigating the formation of mountains, erosion patterns in river systems, or the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
• Human Geography
• Examination of the interactions between human societies and their environments.
• Example: Analyzing urbanization trends, migration patterns, cultural landscapes, or economic activities within specific regions.
• Environmental Geography
• Focus on the relationship between humans and their natural surroundings, including the impact of human activities on the environment.
• Example: Researching pollution levels in urban areas, deforestation rates in tropical rainforests, or the conservation of endangered species and habitats.

50 Geography Research Topics: Category Wise

Physical geography research topics.

• Impact of climate change on polar ice caps.
• Patterns of desertification in arid regions.
• Formation and evolution of volcanic islands.
• Study of river meandering and channel migration.
• Factors influencing the distribution of biomes worldwide.

Human Geography Research Topics

• Urbanization dynamics in developing countries.
• Social and economic impacts of gentrification in urban neighborhoods.
• Migration patterns and trends in Europe.
• Cultural landscapes and identity politics in contested territories.
• Gender disparities in access to resources and opportunities in rural areas.

Environmental Geography Research Topics

• Analysis of air quality in megacities.
• Impacts of deforestation on local biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.
• Water scarcity and management strategies in arid regions.
• Ecotourism and its role in sustainable development.
• Effects of marine pollution on coral reef ecosystems.

Geographical Techniques and Tools Research Topics

• Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in disaster management.
• Remote sensing techniques for monitoring agricultural productivity.
• Cartographic visualization of population density and distribution.
• Spatial analysis of crime patterns in urban areas.
• Geographical modeling of disease spread and containment strategies.

Regional Geography Research Topics

• Socioeconomic disparities between urban and rural regions in India.
• Geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.
• Cultural diversity and integration in multicultural cities like London or New York.
• Environmental challenges facing the African Sahel region.
• Regional impacts of globalization on indigenous communities in South America.

Cultural Geography Research Topics

• Influence of religion on cultural landscapes in the Middle East.
• Cultural diffusion and globalization in the digital age.
• Preservation of intangible cultural heritage in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures in Australia.
• Gender roles and cultural practices in traditional societies.

Economic Geography Research Topics

• Spatial distribution of industries in emerging economies.
• Trade patterns and economic integration in the European Union.
• Impact of globalization on labor markets in Southeast Asia.
• Role of transportation infrastructure in regional economic development.
• Economic consequences of natural disasters on local communities.

Political Geography Research Topics

• Border disputes and territorial conflicts in the Middle East.
• Secessionist movements and autonomy struggles in Europe.
• Role of international organizations in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
• Geopolitical implications of Arctic resource extraction.
• Influence of soft power and cultural diplomacy in international relations.

Social Geography Research Topics

• Spatial patterns of poverty and social exclusion in urban areas.
• Dynamics of neighborhood segregation and integration in diverse cities.
• Impact of social media on community engagement and activism.
• Gender-based violence and spatial justice in urban environments.
• Cultural dimensions of health disparities in rural communities.

Historical Geography Research Topics

• Legacy of colonialism in shaping urban landscapes in former colonies.
• Evolution of trade routes and their impact on cultural diffusion.
• Archaeological landscape studies of ancient civilizations.
• Historical geography of migration and diaspora communities.
• Environmental history of industrialization and its long-term impacts on ecosystems.

How To Write A Geography Research Paper?

Writing a geography research paper involves several key steps to ensure a well-structured, coherent, and informative document. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a geography research paper:

• Choose a Topic: Select a specific and focused research topic within the field of geography that interests you. Consider the scope of your paper, available resources, and the significance of the topic in the field.
• Conduct Research: Gather relevant sources of information such as scholarly articles, books, journals, government publications, and online databases. Use both primary and secondary sources to support your research and develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Develop a clear and short thesis statement that explains what your research paper is about. This statement should show the main idea or point you’re going to talk about in your paper.
• Organize your paper by making a plan or outline. Split it into different parts like the introduction, where you start talking about your topic and explain why it’s important. Then, include a literature review where you talk about what others have already studied about your topic. If you did any special methods in your research, talk about them in the methodology section. Then, show your findings or results, discuss them, and finally, conclude your paper. Make sure you outline all the important things you want to talk about in each section.
• Start your paper with an interesting introduction. Tell the reader some background information about your topic and why it’s important. Also, introduce your thesis statement here. Explain what you’ll be talking about in your research paper to help guide the reader through your paper.
• Conduct a Literature Review: Review existing literature and research related to your topic to contextualize your study and identify gaps or areas for further investigation. Summarize key findings, methodologies, and theories from previous studies to support your own research.
• Describe Your Methodology (If Applicable): If your research involves empirical data collection or analysis, describe the methodology and research design used in your study. Explain the research methods, data sources, sampling techniques, and analytical tools employed to gather and analyze data.
• Present Your Findings: Present the results of your research in a clear and systematic manner. Use tables, graphs, maps, and other visual aids to illustrate your findings and enhance comprehension. Provide descriptive and analytical interpretations of the data to support your arguments.
• Discuss Your Results: Analyze and interpret the significance of your research findings in relation to your thesis statement and research objectives. Discuss any patterns, trends, or relationships observed in the data and explore their implications for the broader field of geography.
• Draw Conclusions: Summarize the main findings of your research and reiterate the significance of your study. Discuss any limitations or constraints encountered during the research process and propose areas for future research or further investigation.
• Cite Your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all sources of information used in your research paper according to the citation style specified by your instructor or academic institution. Use in-text citations and include a comprehensive bibliography or reference list at the end of your paper.
• Proofread and Revise: Review your research paper carefully for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Revise and refine your writing to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality. Consider seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or academic advisors to further enhance your paper.

Emerging Topics in Geography Research

As our world continues to evolve, new frontiers of geography research are constantly emerging. From the quest for sustainable development to the rise of smart cities and the challenges of climate resilience, researchers are grappling with complex issues that defy easy solutions.

One promising avenue of research is the integration of indigenous knowledge and perspectives into geographic studies. By recognizing the wisdom of traditional cultures and their deep connection to the land, researchers can develop more holistic approaches to environmental management and conservation.

In conclusion, geography research offers a rich tapestry of topics that span the natural and social sciences. Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of climate change, exploring the dynamics of urbanization, or celebrating the diversity of cultural landscapes, there’s something for everyone in the world of geography research.

So, whether you’re a student embarking on geography research topics or simply a curious explorer seeking to understand the world around you, take heart in knowing that the adventure has only just begun. Happy exploring!

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Course closed:

Geography is no longer accepting new applications.

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 comprehensive 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 co-operation 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 Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

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 2024 (closed).

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 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

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

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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

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Based on 4* research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021

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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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The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

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Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

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Home > SGIS > Geography > Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Department of Geography: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Opportunities for Urban Resilience to Climate Change: Understanding Local Climate Perceptions, Motivations, and Barriers to Green Infrastructure Use , Emmilene Berski

Women’s Communities and Landscapes in Deadwood, South Dakota in the 1870s–1880s , Jessica Kaye Long

The Spatial Organization of Pre-Colonial African Kingdoms: The Empires of Ethiopia & Mali , Victoria O. Alapo

Commemorating the Past: Nebraska Museum Practices in Interpreting, Memorializing, and Mythologizing History , Carissa Dowden

Film and the Making of a Modern Nebraska (1895-1920): A Historical Geography , William Helmer

Reexamining the Desert: A Study of Place-Based Food Insecurity , Morgan Ryan

Votes and Voters in Time and Space: The Changing Landscape of Political Party Support in Kentucky, 1974-2020 , Glenn Humphress

Federal Land-Use Policy and Resettlement in the Great Plains: An Experiment in Community Development During the New Deal Years, 1933-1941 , Theresa Glanz

Population Sustainability in Rural Nebraska Towns , Andrew Husa

Timing and Formation of Linear Dunes South of the Niobrara River Valley, North-Central Nebraska Sand Hills , Ashley K. Larsen

ASSESSING LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY WITH GIS USING QUALITATIVE & QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN KNOX COUNTY, NEBRASKA , Christian J. Cruz

A Historical Geography of Six and Eight-Man Football in Nebraska , Andrew Husa

Utilizing a Consumer-Grade Camera System to Quantify Surface Reflectance , Joseph J. Lehnert

Modeling Gross Primary Production of Midwest Maize and Soybean Croplands with Satellite and Gridded Weather Data , Gunnar Malek-Madani

Spatial Analysis of Ethnic and Racial Segregation in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, 2000 - 2014 , Roy Yao

Dating Late Quaternary Alluvial Fills in the Platte River Valley using Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dating , Jacob C. Bruihler

A Research Framework for the Geographic Study of Exotic Pet Mammals in the USA , Gabrielle C. Tegeder

Using GIS to Assess Firearm Thefts, Recoveries and Crimes in Lincoln, Nebraska , David A. Grosso

A STUDY OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DWELLING STRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT BASED ON AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF LINCOLN, NEBRASKA , Jeehoon Kim

Geographic Variation of Health Care Spending on Heart Failure in Metropolitan Areas , Kevin McMillan

"We Shall Meet Beyond the River": An Analysis of the Deathscape of Brownville, Nebraska , Ashley J. Barnett

Building a GIS Model to Assess Agritourism Potential , Brian G. Baskerville

Exploring the Nature of Space for Human Behavior in Ordinary Structured Environments , Molly Boeka Cannon

A Historical Geography of Sand Island 1870 - 1944 , Lucas P. Johnson

Proximal Sensing as a Means of Characterizing Phragmites australis , Travis Yeik

Multi-Temporal Analysis of Crop Biomass Using Selected Environmental Variables and Remote Sensing Derived Indices , Nwakaku M. Ajaere

Evaluating Vegetation Response to Water Stress Using Close-Range and Satellite Remote Sensing , Sharmistha Swain

ASSESSING SEASONAL FEATURES OF TROPICAL FORESTS USING REMOTE SENSING , Roberto Bonifaz-Alfonzo

USING A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TO DEFINE REGIONS OF GRAPE-CULTIVAR SUITABILITY IN NEBRASKA , Ting Chen

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Malaria in Paraguay , Nicole M. Wayant

Levels of Response In Experiential Conceptualizations of Neighborhood: The Potential For Multiple Versions of This Place Construct , Cynthia M. Williams

PRESERVATION ETHICS IN THE CASE OF NEBRASKA’S NATIONALLY REGISTERED HISTORIC PROPERTIES , Darren Michael Adams

Intersections of Place, Time, and Entertainment in Rural Nebraska in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries , Rebecca A. Buller

The Changing Landscape of a Rural Region: The effect of the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir in the Osage River Basin of Missouri , Melvin Arthur Johnson

Detection and Measurement of Water Stress in Vegetation Using Visible Spectrum Reflectance , Arthur Zygielbaum

Patterns and Consequences of Segregation: An Analysis of Ethnic Residential Patterns at Two Geographic Scales , Kenneth N. French

Geographies of Indigenous-based Team Name and Mascot Use in American Secondary Schools , Ezra J. Zeitler

A WATERSHED-BASED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LAKES IN AGRICULTURALLY-DOMINATED ECOSYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF NEBRASKA RESERVOIRS , Henry N. N. Bulley

MODELING BIGHORN SHEEP HABITAT IN NORTHWEST NEBRASKA , Kyle M. Forbes

CLOSE-RANGE AND SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING OF ALGAL BIOMASS IN THE IOWA GREAT LAKES , Eric A. Wilson

EFFECTS OF SPATIAL RESOLUTION AND LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE ON LAND COVER CHARACTERIZATION , Wenli Yang

Spatial Structure and Decision-Making Aspects of Pedestrian Route Selection through an Urban Environment , Michael R. Hill

VACANCY CHAINS AND INTRA-URBAN MIGRATION , Donald Rundquist

Water Power Development on the Lower Loup River: A Study in Economic Geography , Ralph Eugene Olson

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(Ph.D./Dr. rer.nat)

• 31 st of January for the following summer term
• 31 st of July for the following winter term

Information concerning the application:

• For the preconditions for admission (among others the proof of sufficient English language skills) and further information about the application for this PhD programme please read the admission regulation ("Zugangsordnung") .
• For further questions please contact your prospective PhD supervisor.

Application step by step:

• Protocol form aptitude interview [internal] ("Protokollbogen Eignungsgespräch" [intern])
• Protocol form aptitude interview [external] ("Protokollbogen Eignungsgespräch" [extern])
• Degree certificates in English or German / translation in single copy or indication of achievements to date (credits / grade point average). A certified copy of the documents must be submitted or the originals presented before enrolment.
• a curriculum vitae written in English, which also provides information about the scientific career.
• proof of sufficient (English) language skills by means of an internationally recognised test or equivalent performance.
• suitable documents to prove additional achievements (publications, internships, professional experience, teaching activities), which demonstrate the special suitability for the doctoral programme; in the case of already existing publications, simple copies of the publications.
• a doctoral candidate declaration ["Promovierenden-Erklärung"] (will be generated with the GAUSS application for admission)
• a description of the research project

The PhD examination in mathematics consists of:

• a written exam (dissertation thesis) and
• an oral exam (disputation).

It is carried out referring to the GAUSS PhD regulations ["RerNat-O"] of 2018--01. Your thesis and accompanying documents have to be submitted electronically via Göttingen University's Lucom system . We kindly request that you inform the dean´s office at least 6-7 weeks in advance that you intend to submit your dissertation and apply for admission to the oral doctoral examination (disputation). You will receive detailed information regarding the process, what kind of documents will be required and how to ultimately be admitted to your disputation. All relevant information can also be found on the GAUSS homepage . For further information, please carefully study the checklist "Countdown to doctoral degree" provided by GAUSS .

The PhD programme "Geography" is based on a research focus on "Resource Analysis and Assessment of the Geosphere" in the context of geographical research on human-environment relations. The doctoral students benefit from a number of international collaborative projects in which the Institute of Geography participates. The general theme associates process mapping and modelling, creation of material balances (water, air, sediment, carbon, nitrogen and pollutants), the reconstruction of past environmental conditions and the analysis and modelling of the consequences of the use of interventions in biogeochemical cycles. The social science methodology is included in the context of human ecology, political ecology, and institutional analysis and resource use conflicts. At present, the Institute of Geography is involved in several international collaborative projects. The ongoing project carbiocial (Carbon sequestration, biodiversity and social structures in Southern Amazonia: models and implementation of carbon-optimised land management strategies) was started in August 2011 under the auspices of the Department of Landscape Ecology BMBF. The subject of the comprehensive joint project (with 14 sub-projects), which will be conducted in a German-Brazilian cooperation, is the study of climate and socioeconomic factors with the aim of controlling C-optimised land use strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In order to create decision support systems (DSS), this can be transferred for use in other regions. The Department of Human Geography is integrated with the project "Political and institutional impacts on cultural landscape transformation in Sumatra, Indonesia" in the socioeconomic programme area of the CRC 990 "Ecological and socioeconomic functions of tropical lowland rainforest transformation systems in Sumatra (EEFFORTS)" (2012 - 2015). Furthermore, the Department of Human Geography is linked with the Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS) and integrated in the application of a new CRC (CRC 1122 "Agricultural Transition in the Indian Rural-Urban Interface"). In addition, the Department of Cartography, GIS and Remote Sensing is integrated in the regional project "Bioenergy in Tension". This cooperative project examines social and natural changes which are associated with the increasing use of biomass for energy recovery. By participating in these international collaborative projects, doctoral students learn to carry out autonomous scientific work. They also acquire knowledge and skills that go beyond a curricular programme of study, namely, through active participation in the academic affairs of the Faculty and Institute of Geography. At the department of Geography and High Mountain Geomorphology (GHG), PhD- and doctoral theses are supervised which specialize in research that is focused on mountain ranges around the world. These research activities may encompass the entire breadth of geography.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Offered By: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering (Whiting school of engineering)

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Program

A PhD student in the Geography and Environmental Engineering program will explore the current state of knowledge in his or her field. Information and ideas developed by others are critically examined and placed in proper context.

Subject areas are identified that are important to achieving the goals of the discipline, but which have not been explored or developed. The student will propose new research to improve understanding in this key area. A research proposal should then outline, in an orderly and logical manner, how key questions are addressed. While pursuing these research hypotheses, the student must take time to consider alternative explanations for experimental observations, and devise new experiments that critically test assumptions and theories.

The student will learn to state problems clearly and solve them in a reliable and efficient manner. Whatever lines of reasoning one uses, one must be as sure as possible that the conclusions are correct, particularly since there is always some uncertainty in science and engineering. The student must think through their research plans to avoid unproductive activities. Because research involves managing time and resources, the PhD student is receiving excellent preparation for future professional work.

Students have the option to focus their study: Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health (ESRH) .

Doctoral students in the Geography and Environmental Engineering doctoral program have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with faculty from a wide variety of disciplines, including:

• Air pollution and greenhouse gases
• Energy systems
• Public health
• Water quality
• Economic dimensions of environmental health
• Anthropological dimensions of environmental health

PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Program Highlights

Fully funded.

The minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000, with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Opportunities to work across departments in the Schools of Public Health, Engineering, and more

WRITE AND PUBLISH

Help with academic writing and grant proposals embedded into coursework, with opportunities to learn from published faculty and peers

TEACHING TRAINING

Teaching assistantships, training, and support for learning to teach, and opportunities for paid TA positions as well

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Geography and Environmental Engineering?

• Research or Teaching Faculty
• Research Scientist
• Environmental Engineer (water/wastewater engineer, hydrogeologist, ecologist)
• Data Scientist
• Postdoctoral Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Whiting School  Course Directory .

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the Graduate Admissions  page.

Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply .  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative  applicants for the  PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering  are automatically vetted for eligibility for the VTSI fee waiver during the application process.

Faculty Advisers

The following faculty may be willing to advise PhD students. If you identify a faculty member that you want to work with who is not on this list, we encourage you to ask them about their availability.

Peter DeCarlo

Peter studies the chemical composition of gas particles in the air to improve our understanding of climate, air quality, and health impacts of pollutants.

Paul Ferraro

Paul ­ is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and the Carey Business School. He is known for his research on behavioral economics and the design and estimation of impacts of environmental programs.

Ciaran Harman

Ciaran, an associate professor of landscape hydrology and Russell Croft Faculty Scholar, studies how the structure of landscapes controls the movement of water from rainfall to streams, and how that structure evolves over time.

Thomas Hartung

Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD, steers the revolution in toxicology to move away from 50+ year-old animal tests to organoid cultures and the use of artificial intelligence.

Scot Miller

Scot Miller combines satellite data and statistics to understand greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.

Roni A. Neff

Roni Neff, PhD '06, ScM, researches ways to cut food waste and address climate change through more resilient, equitable, and healthy food systems.

Carsten Prasse

Carsten's research focuses on the occurrence and fate of organic contaminants in the urban water cycle and their impact on environmental and human health.

Tuition and Funding

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]

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