OVERVIEW OF POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH DEGREES

The School of Geography was ranked among the top six Geography departments in the UK for the quality of its research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, with 70% of research activity considered to be world leading or internationally excellent. With over 40 academic staff, 25 researchers and some 60 research postgraduate students, the School offers a vibrant and diverse research community with a strong international profile.

When you start studying for a research degree in the School, you will be studying in a department that prides itself on treating its students as an integral part of its research team. In addition to being part of a research group, you will also have one or more research supervisors who will be members of academic staff.

Research areas

Research within the School covers a wide range of subjects in both human and physical geography. The School’s research community is broadly divided into five research clusters.

Each Research Cluster has a list of PhD topics or areas they would be interested in supervising. However, we are also pleased to receive applications where you detail your own research proposal.

As a PhD student in the School, you will belong to one or more of these research clusters along with academics, post-docs and other researchers. Each group meets regularly to discuss the latest research in their area and to support each other in their own research.

Funding

Some students apply to the School of Geography with funding in place for their studies whilst others are still looking for funding. If you are applying for funding, you will usually need to submit an application to the School for an academic place as well as separate applications for funding. The sources of funding you may be eligible for will often vary according to your nationality and the area of research you wish to undertake. Our website lists funding opportunities for UK/EU students and International students however we recommend you also have a look at the University’s Scholarship website which has the latest information on opportunities, deadlines and links to application forms.