Program Overview

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Earth Sciences PhD / MPhil

The University of Birmingham offers a PhD and MPhil in Earth Sciences, allowing students to undertake research across a wide range of earth sciences. The program focuses on the following research themes: hydrogeology, palaeobiology and palaeoenvironments, palaeoclimatology, and subsurface structure and properties.

Course Overview

Our Earth Sciences PhD allows students to undertake research across a wide range of the earth sciences. The program offers the opportunity to work alongside world-leading experts on projects that address some of the most pressing environmental and geological challenges of our time.

Course Highlights

• Top-tier research in areas like palaeoclimatology, hydrogeology, and geobiology.
• Flexible projects – choose from existing topics or propose your own.
• Expert supervision with access to cutting-edge labs and facilities.
• Career-focused training in research, writing, and professional skills.
• Global impact – contribute to solutions for climate and environmental challenges.
• Ranked 15th in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025).
• Ranked in the top 150 in the World for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025).

Course Delivery

The program includes a range of teaching methods, such as:

• Lecture
• Workshop
• Online On Demand classes
• Online Live classes
• 1:1 Supervision

Research Projects

At Birmingham, students can apply for an advertised PhD or propose their own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.

Research Themes

The program focuses on the following research themes:

• Hydrogeology
• Palaeobiology and palaeoenvironments
• Palaeoclimatology
• Subsurface structure and properties

Palaeobiology

The palaeobiology research theme at Birmingham spans an extraordinary range of biological, temporal, and spatial scales. Our research theme includes world-leading systematists and palaeoecologists specializing in organisms ranging from single-celled algae to the largest vertebrates to have walked the Earth (as well as the plants they ate).

Palaeoclimates

Palaeoclimate research at Birmingham integrates sedimentologists, palaeontologists, geochemists, and climate modellers to produce an integrated view of ancient palaeoenvironmental change.

Dynamic Earth

Research in this area includes a range of work on the evolution of rifted margins with a current focus on an international collaborative project involving 3-D seismic profiling of the Iberian margin.

Entry Requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject plus a relevant master's degree
• Research proposal (if proposing your own research topic)

Fees and Scholarships

• Full-time: £5,181
• Part-time: £2,591
• Funding options:
  • Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached
  • Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. If applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

Career Opportunities

PhD students have received funding from research councils, the petroleum and water industries, the EU, Nirex, the British Council, and various governments. This PhD will prepare students to work with these organizations.

Related Courses

• Earth Sciences Research MSc (Res)
• Environmental and Biological Nanoscience MRes

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make students feel at home. We offer a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, as well as all the support and advice students need.