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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 26,070
Per year
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Geography
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 26,070
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-02-01-
2025-06-01-
2025-10-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Postgraduate Research

Study

Postgraduate Research

  • Research areas
  • Course types
  • Find a supervisor
  • Fees & funding
  • How to apply
  • King's Doctoral College

Geography (option of joint PhD with Hong Kong University or National University of Singapore) MPhil/PhD

Key information

  • Award: MPhil, PhD
  • Study mode: Full time, Part time
  • Campus: Strand Campus
  • Duration: Expected duration: full-time MPhil (two years); part-time (three-four years); full-time PhD (three years); part-time PhD (five years)

Overview

The Department of Geography provides a range of opportunities for PhD research. We have over 100 doctoral students drawn from across the world, many of whom are funded by national research councils and international organisations. With 50 full-time academic staff, we provide specialist supervision on topics that range from climate change and hazards mapping to risk analysis, geocomputation and urban futures.


We have a vibrant seminar series that brings in guest speakers from universities across the world and run workshops to showcase doctoral research projects. We also provide a full range of training and support for our PhD students, including opportunities to present your research at national and international conferences.


Joint PhDs available: exciting opportunities to gain a joint PhD with the National University of Singapore, Hong Kong University or Humboldt University (Berlin, Germany).


Course detail

The Department of Geography has a vibrant community of scholars – most are members of one of six research groups: Contested Development, Earth Observation & Wildfire, Physical & Environmental Geography, Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services, Risk, Hazard & Society and Urban Futures. Staff research also ranges well beyond those groups and involves both individual scholarship and colleagues in other institutions, as well as the department. These groups operate through staff-funded research and PhD student collaboration on research projects. The research themes provide the central focus of our international reputation centre on: cultural, political and social change in cities; urban governance and public policy in cities; urban sustainability; environment and development in low-income locations; monitoring and modelling of terrestrial environmental processes and investigations of the politics of environmental policy. In addition, we have thematic research specialisms in historical geography, geographies of disability, architecture and the built environment, rural development, and remote sensing of the environment.


Joint PhD programme Exciting opportunities are now available to undertake a joint PhD programme with Hong Kong University or, for topics specifically relating to comparative urbanism, Humboldt University (Berlin, Germany) or the National University of Singapore, bringing together expertise in urban (social and/or economic) geography, physical geography, political geography, political ecology, risks and hazards.


Information is current, but staff members can change.


Head of group/division


Johan Andersson


How to apply

1. Application Procedure

Completed applications will be accepted at any time prior to the start of the degree programme. However, early applications are encouraged particularly as deadlines for outside funding can fall several months before entry.


2. Personal Statement and Supporting Information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:


  • Personal Statement: Yes, A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
  • Research Proposal: Yes, The proposal should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, as well as what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the research courses page.
  • Previous Academic Study: Yes, A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
  • References: Yes, One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
  • Travel Plan: Yes (Joint programme only), If applying for the joint programme, please include the names of your supervisors from both institutions and include a completed travel plan form.
  • Other: Optional, You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

3. Course Intake

Variable.


4. Joint PhDs - Application advice

Applicants for the Joint PhD programme must contact the relevant departments at both universities before submitting an application in order to discuss the suitability of their topic for the joint programme and to locate potential supervisors. Applications should initially be submitted to the proposed home institution only, ie where the student will start and finish their programme. Students should note that acceptance onto the programme may take slightly longer than for single-institution PhDs because of the additional steps involved. Further details, including FAQs, can be found on the King’s Worldwide web pages.


Applicants who choose King’s as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate Joint PhD option from the drop-down list. In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a travel plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions. Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the travel plan form.


It is recommended that students submit applications for the Joint PhD programme by the end of March to begin the following September.


5. Application Closing Date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.


The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.


  • February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
  • June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
  • October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
  • February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
  • June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.


Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

  • Full-time tuition fees:
    • £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research)
    • £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong)
    • £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research)
    • £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong)
    • £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)
  • Part-time tuition fees:
    • £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research)
    • £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research)
    • £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

  • Geography (Arts) Research
    • Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
    • Part-time tuition fees: £13,035 per year
  • Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong
    • Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
  • Geography (Science)
    • Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
    • Part-time tuition fees: £13,035 per year
  • Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong
    • Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
  • Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin
    • Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
    • Part-time tuition fees: £13,035 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

  • Full-time tuition fees:
    • £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research)
    • £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong)
    • £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research)
    • £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong)
    • £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)
  • Part-time tuition fees:
    • £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research)
    • £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research)
    • £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

  • Geography (Arts) Research
    • Full-time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
    • Part-time tuition fees: £14,000 per year
  • Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong
    • Full-time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
  • Geography (Science)
    • Full-time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
    • Part-time tuition fees: £14,000 per year
  • Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong
    • Full-time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
  • Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin
    • Full-time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
    • Part-time tuition fees: £14,000 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.


Study environment

Base campus

Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.


Location

Strand Campus; some projects may take place on non-campus locations.


Study Environment

We believe that individualised tuition from a committee of supervisors who are themselves experts in your chosen research area is the foundation for PhD programme of study.


Accordingly you will meet regularly with a primary and secondary supervisor. In the first year you will have at least three formal meetings and a minimum of two each year thereafter to discuss the biannual student training and research progress reports. In addition you will usually have more informal meetings with your primary supervisor, fortnightly in the first year, and as often as necessary thereafter to discuss work.


Contact with part-time students is generally less frequent, depending on individual circumstances, although regular progress meetings are required.


Postgraduate Training

To ensure that you develop the skills necessary to complete your research programme and fulfil your career goals, the Department will provide you with research training in accordance with the specific guidelines set out by ESRC for human geography and NERC for physical geography.


During induction you will meet with your primary supervisor to assess your skills and training needs and design an individualised training programme for you, which is set out in a research plan that must be approved by the Departmental Research Student Committee (DRSC). Although the specific training programmes provided for physical geography and human geography students differ somewhat, both use a variety of means, including lectures and practical classes, individual reading and study, and informally through discussion with other graduates.


Student Destinations

Students go on to become lecturers and research assistants, directors and senior managers of international consultancies, lawyers, consultants for environmental agencies, governments, charities and research organisations.


Our professional network

Hear from 2017 graduate, Tianran Zhang (Remote Sensing Processing Engineer at Constellr)


What my career is like: I have been actively engaged in scientific research, development and implementation of a Land Surface Temperature (LST) product. This product is expected to play a crucial role in supporting farmers' decisions related to cultivation and water resource management.


How King's helped me: No doubt the study at King's has built a solid foundation in satellite remote sensing knowledge for me. During my time at King's, I am grateful to the Geography department and my supervisor, Professor Martin Wooster, for providing me with numerous opportunities to engage directly with other researchers and stakeholders in the field. This experience allowed me to develop a more constructive understanding of the field, identifying gaps and exploring ways to enhance the user experience.


My top career tip: If you are interested in any new tech or tool, you can use your nights and weekends to try them out. You can combine the knowledge you gain from your studies to build something cool.


Entry requirements

UK requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours
  • and/or a good Master's degree

Students applying for the joint PhD programme with Humboldt University may be required to hold a Master’s degree in order to meet the requirements of Humboldt University.


Equivalent International qualifications

Select a country


  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Australasia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bermuda
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Cape Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Cote d'Ivoire
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia (Czech Republic)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Denmark
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • East Timor
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Home Fee Status Students
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palau
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Qatar
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St. Helena
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • The Gambia
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Türkiye
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Wales
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

English language requirements

English language band: B


To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.


Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.


For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.


Program Outline


Geography (MPhil/PhD) at King's College London


Degree Overview:


Overview:

The Geography Department at King's College London offers a dynamic and comprehensive PhD program in Geography. The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research in a supportive and stimulating environment. It focuses on cutting-edge research themes with a global perspective, emphasizing social change, environmental policy, development, and urban sustainability.

  • The program is designed for students with a strong academic background in geography and a passion for research.
  • Students are expected to contribute to the department's research agenda through their individual projects.
  • The department boasts over 100 doctoral students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant research community.
  • Many PhD students are funded by national research councils and international organizations, highlighting the program's reputation for excellence.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

  • Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct independent research in geography.
  • Encourage critical thinking and analysis of complex geographical issues.
  • Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for research excellence.
  • Prepare students for successful careers in academia, research, and other professional fields.

Program Description:

The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to specialize in a particular area of geography or pursue a more interdisciplinary approach. Students are assigned a dedicated team of supervisors with expertise in their chosen research area. They regularly meet with their supervisors to discuss their progress and receive guidance. The program emphasizes research training, offering students the opportunity to develop their skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students also benefit from access to the department's extensive research facilities and resources.


Outline:


Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics within geography, including:

  • Climate change and hazards mapping
  • Risk analysis and geocomputation
  • Urban futures and global change
  • Contested development and political ecology
  • Biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • Physical and environmental geography
  • Historical geography
  • Geographies of disability
  • Architecture and the built environment
  • Rural development
  • Remote sensing of the environment

Program Structure:

The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. The expected duration for full-time study is two years for an MPhil and three years for a PhD. Part-time study typically takes three to four years for an MPhil and five years for a PhD. The program consists of coursework and a research thesis. The coursework component comprises a combination of core modules and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Core modules may include research methods, advanced geographical analysis, and theoretical perspectives in geography. Optional modules cover various sub-disciplines of geography and related fields. The research thesis is the culmination of the program, requiring students to conduct original research under the guidance of their supervisors. The thesis should make a significant contribution to the field of geography and demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent research.


Course Schedule:

The course schedule varies depending on the student's chosen modules and research interests.


Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes. These methods may include:

  • Essays and research papers
  • Presentations and seminars
  • Examinations
  • Research thesis defense
  • The specific assessment methods used for each module are outlined in the module descriptions. The weighting of different assessment methods may vary depending on the module.

Teaching:


Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Tutorials
  • Fieldwork
  • Independent research
  • The specific teaching methods used for each module are outlined in the module descriptions. The program emphasizes active learning and student engagement, providing opportunities for students to discuss, debate, and apply their knowledge.

Faculty:

The program benefits from a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of geography. Students are assigned a dedicated team of supervisors who provide guidance and support throughout their studies.


Unique Approaches:

The program offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

  • Joint PhD programs: Students have the opportunity to pursue a joint PhD program with the National University of Singapore, Hong Kong University, or Humboldt University (Berlin, Germany).
  • This provides students with a unique opportunity to study and conduct research in two different countries.
  • Vibrant seminar series: The department hosts a vibrant seminar series featuring guest speakers from universities worldwide.
  • This allows students to engage with leading scholars in the field and learn about cutting-edge research.
  • Extensive research training: The program provides students with comprehensive research training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research.
  • Access to world-class facilities: Students have access to the department's extensive research facilities and resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories, GIS facilities, and remote sensing equipment.

Careers:


Career Paths:

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in academia, research, and other professional fields. Potential career paths include:

  • Academia: Lecturer, researcher, professor
  • Research institutions: Research scientist, analyst, consultant
  • Government agencies: Policy advisor, environmental consultant, urban planner
  • Non-governmental organizations: Project manager, researcher, advocate
  • Private sector: Sustainability consultant, environmental manager, risk analyst

Career Opportunities:

The program provides students with the opportunity to network with potential employers through career fairs, alumni events, and internships. The department also offers career guidance and support to help students prepare for the job market.


Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including:

  • Academia: Many graduates pursue academic careers, teaching and conducting research at universities worldwide.
  • Research institutions: Graduates work in research institutions, contributing to cutting-edge research in various areas of geography.
  • Government agencies: Graduates work in government agencies, influencing policy development and environmental management.
  • Non-governmental organizations: Graduates work in non-governmental organizations, contributing to sustainable development and social justice initiatives.
  • Private sector: Graduates work in the private sector, applying their knowledge and skills to solve environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

Other:

  • The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from individuals with a strong interest in research and a passion for geography.
  • The department has a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and students are encouraged to contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
  • The program offers various scholarships and funding opportunities to support students' studies.
  • Students have access to a range of support services, including academic advisors, career counselors, and mental health support.

UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full-time tuition fees: £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research) £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong) £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research) £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong) £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) Part-time tuition fees: £3,270 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research) £3,270 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research) £3,270 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Geography (Arts) Research Full-time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Part-time tuition fees: £12,180 per year Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong Full-time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Geography (Science) Full-time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Part-time tuition fees: £12,180 per year Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong Full-time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin Full-time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Part-time tuition fees: £12,180 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full-time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research) £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong) £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research) £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong) £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) Part-time tuition fees: £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Arts) Research) £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography (Science) Research) £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Geography (Arts) Research Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Part-time tuition fees: £13,035 per year Geography (Arts) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Geography (Science) Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Part-time tuition fees: £13,035 per year Geography (Science) Research with National University of Singapore or University of Hong Kong Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Geography Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin Full-time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Part-time tuition fees: £13,035 per year

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