Program Overview

Human Geography PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)

The Human Geography PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research) program is a research-based degree that allows students to explore the workings of power in its myriad forms and the different places through which it flows. The program is offered in various study options, including PhD, MPhil, and MSc (Research), with different duration and requirements.

Study Options

• PhD: 3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time, with a thesis of maximum 80,000 words
• MSc (Research): 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• MPhil: 2-3 years full-time, 3-4 years part-time

Research Areas

The Human Geography Research Group (HGRG) has three main threads running through its research:

• Stressed Environments and Communities
• Spatial Politics and Practices
• Creative Geohumanities HGRG researchers engage with differing critical theories, including feminism, postcolonialism, posthumanism, post-structuralism, political economy, and historiography. They also lead interdisciplinary initiatives with colleagues in urban studies, health research, international development, creative and contemporary arts, and Earth Systems research.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have:

• A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent
• Required documentation, including:
  • Transcripts/degree certificate
  • Two references
  • A one-page research proposal
  • CV
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome): 90 overall with Reading 20, Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 21
  • Pearsons PTE Academic: 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • LanguageCert Academic SELT: 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Trinity College Tests: Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV, ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests

Fees and Funding

The fees for the program are:

• UK: To be confirmed (2025/26 fee was ｣5,006)
• International & EU: ｣33,210
• Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee
• Alumni discount: 20% discount to University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad program, Exchange program, International Summer School, or Erasmus program
• Possible additional fees:
  • Re-submission by a research student: ｣540
  • Submission for a higher degree by published work: ｣1,355
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: ｣350
  • Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship: ｣790
  • Bench fee (research support costs): exact amount to be provided in the offer letter

Support

The University of Glasgow provides a world-leading environment for students, with a diverse community of over 750 students from more than 50 countries. The Graduate School offers a wide-ranging and responsive research student training program, mobility scholarships, and a diverse program of activities to ensure students feel part of the wider research community. The School also has close links with various political and arts organizations, and arranges many guest speakers and informal opportunities to meet people at open events.