Program Overview

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Physical and Human Geography Postgraduate Research Degrees

Overview

The University of Portsmouth offers postgraduate research degrees in Physical and Human Geography, providing students with the opportunity to explore a range of topics and contribute to the field's ongoing research.

Types of Research Degrees

The university offers the following types of research degrees in Physical and Human Geography:

• PhD: A traditional research-based degree that allows students to explore a specific topic in-depth.
• MPhil: A research-based degree that is similar to a PhD but with a shorter duration.
• PhD by Publication: A degree that is based on research that has already been published.

PhD and MPhil Projects

The university offers a range of pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Physical and Human Geography. Students can also submit their own research idea and work with a supervisor to develop a project.

Funded Projects

There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area. However, students can explore funding opportunities through the university's funding pages.

Self-Funded Projects

The university offers a range of self-funded PhD projects in Physical and Human Geography, including:

• Bioprotection or biodeteroriation? The contradictory role of microbiological activity in heritage stone decay under changing climates
• Conservation of Cultural Heritage
• Geoconservation of Rocky Coasts
• Global and Regional Temperature Change in Mountainous Regions
• Measuring and Modelling Surface Temperatures in Areas of Complex Relief
• Past Wildfire Histories
• Urban Ecological Networks

Submit Your Own Idea

Students can also submit their own research idea and work with a supervisor to develop a project.

PhD by Publication

A PhD by Publication is a degree that is based on research that has already been published. Students can submit their published work for examination, and if successful, will be awarded a PhD.

Duration, Fees, and Funding

Duration

• MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
• PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
• PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time

Fees

• PhD and MPhil:
  • UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year (full-time), £2,393 per year (part-time)
  • EU students: £4,786 per year (full-time), £2,393 per year (part-time)
  • International students: £19,200 per year (full-time), £9,600 per year (part-time)
• PhD by Publication:
  • External candidates: £4,786
  • Members of staff: £1,950

Funding

The university offers a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate research students, including the Government Postgraduate Loan and the Government Doctoral Loan.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for a PhD or MPhil in Physical and Human Geography include:

• An upper second-class honors degree or equivalent in a relevant subject
• A master's degree in an appropriate subject
• Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered
• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0

Support and Facilities

The university provides a range of support and facilities for postgraduate research students, including:

• The Doctoral College, which provides training, workshops, and events to help students develop their research skills
• Fully equipped physical geography, GIS, and photogrammetry labs
• Access to software such as Microsoft Office, SPSS, and Adobe Creative Suite

Career Opportunities

A postgraduate research degree in Physical and Human Geography can lead to a range of career opportunities, including:

• Research and academia
• Industry and business
• Government and policy
• Non-profit and charity sectors

Research Areas

The university's research in Physical and Human Geography focuses on a range of areas, including:

• Development, wellbeing, and justice
• Environmental processes and impacts
• Geographies of labor and working lives
• Graduate self-employment and entrepreneurship in the creative economy
• How can economic growth become more inclusive?
• International, local, and regional economic resilience to Covid-19
• The geographies of youth smoking
• Understanding and shaping space and society through playful activities

Contact

For more information about the university's postgraduate research degrees in Physical and Human Geography, please contact the university's admissions team.