Skip to main content
Earth Sciences
Group of people in the distance near the sea

Research Degrees

The Department offers three levels of postgraduate research degrees and we welcome enquiries from suitably qualified applicants in all of these research areas:

  • PhD in Geology, Geophysics, or Geological Sciences (3 years full-time study)
  • MPhil in Geology, Geophysics, or Geological Sciences (2 years full-time study)
  • MSc by Research (1-year full-time study)

Part-time degree programmes are normally twice the length of the equivalent full-time programme.

Entry requirements

A UK upper second-class honours degree or higher (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences or related subjects)

OR A Master's degree in a relevant subject

AND Suitable references (normally two academic references or, where an applicant has been out of education for some time, one academic reference and one employer's reference).

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. This is normally an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with no category less than 6.0. For more information about English language requirements, and specific information for students who require a Tier 4 visa, please see the Learning and Teaching Handbook.

Find a supervisor and contact the department

Each postgraduate must have a member of staff willing to supervise their research. Therefore, prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact individual members of staff or research groups to develop their ideas and enquire about available projects.

At this stage, ensure you meet the entry requirements and you can meet the financial requirements of the degree programme you are interested in.

Applicants will also be judged on the following criteria:

  • Their suitability to undertake research in a relevant field, including, where appropriate, proficiency in the English language
  • Their suitability to undertake a research project in the proposed field of study within the allotted time span
  • The availability of a supervisory team which is qualified to supervise the applicant in the proposed research project
  • The availability of resources to support the applicant's research project to a successful conclusion

Complete the online application form

Only after discussing with potential research supervisors should a formal application should be made using the University's online application system. The online system makes it clear what you need to include.