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Physical Geography at University of Manchester - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

PhD Physical Geography will allow you to benefit from the supervision of world-leading academics that have very strong reputations for research quality. The University of Manchester is one of the best places in the world to study physical geography, and our department has a global reputation for its research and teaching. In the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 94% of our outputs were considered internationally recognised, with an exceptionally high proportion (65%) judged to be internationally excellent or world leading. Our physical geography staff members hold editorial positions with leading research publications, including major journals such as Journal of the Geological Society, Geoarchaeology, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, and Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. They also routinely serve on various review panels of the UK Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC). There are two research groups specialising in physical geography:

  • Environmental Processes ;
  • and Quaternary Environments and Geoarchaeology .
The work of the Environmental Processes research group includes the analysis of environmental processes at a range of spatial scales and geographical locations, but particularly in upland and urban environments. Fundamental and applied research is supported by the UK Research Councils and EU H2020, as well as a range of government and non-government agencies, including Defra, UKCIP, Environment Agency, Natural England and Moors for the Future. The Quaternary Environments and Geoarchaeology research group is particularly interested in the analysis of the response of geomorphological systems and ecosystems to global climate change. This includes the study of glaciers, rivers, lakes, deserts and high mountain terrains, as well as paleoecology, geochemistry and a range of geochronological applications. This research involves work throughout the world, including the Arctic, British Isles, Mediterranean, Himalayas, North America, and Africa. Research is funded by various bodies, including the Leverhulme Trust, NERC, the Royal Society and the Royal Geographical Society. Explore our research groups to find out more about the specialisms available at Manchester, and the academics who are keen to supervise in each area. In addition, some of our physical geographers with interests in GIS and mapping are also part of the Mapping: Culture and Geographical Information Science research group, which spans geographical sub-disciplines. You can find out more about our academic staff and their research specialisms on our People page . Recent PhD graduates have been appointed to positions at leading universities around the world, while others now work in government agencies and research institutes as well as conservation organisations. Many graduates have gone on to work in environmental consultancy in both the public and private sectors.

Entry requirements

A First or Upper Second Class Bachelor's degree (or its international equivalent). A relevant master's degree, with Merit and a minimum average grade of 60% in both the taught course units and your dissertation (or international equivalent of 60%).

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Fees for entry in 2023 have not yet been set.

Sponsorship information

We receive money from a range of sources to help you fund your research and have a range of awards on offer, covering tuition fees and a generous stipend. Application deadlines for internal funding opportunities are often at the beginning of February for programmes starting the following September. If you're planning to apply for a scholarship or award that is not attached to a particular project, you'll normally need to hold an offer of a place from the University before applying. The UK government has confirmed that doctoral loans will be available for those studying PhDs and equivalent doctoral programmes including professional doctorates from 2018/19. The loan will be for a maximum of £25,000 over the duration of the course. UK nationals who are ordinarily resident in England, aged 59 or under, who are not already receiving funding via a UK Research Council, are eligible.

Physical Geography at University of Manchester - UCAS