Course summary
The School of Geographical Sciences is a leading international centre for research. In the Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework assessment (2021), we were ranked joint first in the UK for Geography and Environmental Studies. The graduate school is integral to this success. We have a large and vibrant postgraduate research community, with students following PhD and MSc by research (MScR) programmes. The postgraduate community is international and interdisciplinary and offers an exceptional academic environment for postgraduate research. Research opportunities encompass a wide range of subjects at the leading edge of geographical research. There are also many exciting possibilities for interdisciplinary research, spanning research groups and departments. Visit the School of Geographical Sciences webpages for more information about our research staff and collective research interests. You can see a list of current projects and their supervisors. Alternatively, you may be interested in our MScR in Global Environmental Challenges, or our PhD in Geographical Sciences (Human Geography).
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/phd-geographical-sciences-physical-geography.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4850 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £4850 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26700 | Year 1 |
| International | £26700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Sponsorship information
Each year the school is awarded several scholarships, funded by the University itself or by funding bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the China Scholarship Council and the EU, as well as industry-funded studentships. Applicants should check the School of Geographical Sciences website. Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU