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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 26,700
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Geography | Geology | Geophysics
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 26,700
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Overview

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.


Key Information

Programme Duration

  • Up to four years full-time; up to eight years part-time.

Start Date

  • Most students will start in September, however other dates can be considered.

Application Deadline

  • Not fixed, but funding application deadlines will usually be between January and March.

Delivery Method

  • On-Campus

Location

  • Clifton

Awards Available

  • PhD

World-Leading Research

  • The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
  • 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

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.
  • Admissions Statement: Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
  • English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level D.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

  • Home: full-time - £4,850 per year
  • Home: part-time - £2,425 per year
  • Overseas: full-time - £26,700 per year

Alumni Discount

  • University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

  • 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.

Career Prospects

  • Students who complete a PhD in Physical Geography typically move on to careers in academia (post-doctoral research, lectureships), further research in government or private institutes, environmental consultancy, teaching, the civil service, computer programming, or IT consultancy, among other fields.

Meet Our Supervisors

  • Professor Jonathan Bamber
  • Professor Paul Bates
  • Dr Rory Bingham
  • Dr Stephen Cornford
  • Dr Gemma Coxon
  • Dr Josh Dean
  • Professor Rachel Flecker
  • Professor Anita Ganesan
  • Dr Jo House
  • Dr Rachel James
  • Professor Penny Johnes
  • Dr Elizabeth Kendon
  • Dr Charlotte Lloyd
  • Professor Dan Lunt
  • Dr Fabien Maussion
  • Professor Katerina Michaelides
  • Professor Dann Mitchell
  • Dr Fanny Monteiro
  • Professor Jeffrey Neal
  • Professor David Richards
  • Professor Patricia Sanchez-Baracaldo
  • Professor Paul Valdes
  • Dr Peter Watson
  • Dr Christopher Williamson
  • Dr Ce Zhang

Research Groups

Global Environmental Change

  • The Bristol Research Initiative for the Dynamic Global Environment (BRIDGE) group aims to improve the understanding of natural climate and environmental variability and the relationship between global carbon cycling and climate.

Glaciology

  • The Bristol Glaciology Centre leads world-class research into ice sheet processes, subglacial environments and sea level change.

Hydrology

  • The Hydrology Research Group focuses on research into the modelling of hydrologic and hydraulic problems using advanced numerical methods.

Program Outline


Careers:

  • Students who complete a PhD in Physical Geography typically move on to careers in academia (post-doctoral research, lectureships), further research in government or private institutes, environmental consultancy, teaching, the civil service, computer programming, IT consultancy, among others.

Other:

  • The School of Geographical Sciences is a leading international centre for research.
  • In the Times Higher Education analysis of the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, we were ranked the top geography department in the UK.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).

UK: full-time £4,758 per year UK: part-time £2,379 per year Overseas: full-time £26,000 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

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About University
PhD
Masters
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Diploma
Foundation

University of Bristol Summary


Overview:

The University of Bristol is a renowned public research university located in Bristol, England. It is known for its high academic standards, strong research output, and vibrant campus life. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, consistently attracting top students and researchers.


Services Offered:

The University of Bristol offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:

    A diverse selection of academic programs across various disciplines.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Students' Union:

    A dedicated student organization providing support, activities, and representation.

    Library:

    Extensive library resources and facilities for research and study.

    Sport, Exercise, and Health:

    Opportunities for participation in sports and fitness activities.

    International Student Support:

    Dedicated services for international students.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Bristol enjoy a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, fostering a strong sense of community.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    High Academic Standards:

    The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, offering high-quality education.

    Strong Research Output:

    The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    The university offers a diverse and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community.

    Location in a Dynamic City:

    Bristol is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture.

    Excellent Career Prospects:

    Graduates from the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers.

Academic Programs:

The University of Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts:

    Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, and more.

    Science:

    Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.

    Engineering:

    Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and more.

    Medicine and Dentistry:

    Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.

    Social Sciences:

    Economics, Politics, Sociology, and more.

    Law:

    Law, Criminology, and more.

Total programs
510
Average ranking globally
#119
Average ranking in the country
#12
Location
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