Program Overview

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Environmental Health and Risk Management PhD

The Environmental Health and Risk Management PhD is set in the dynamic and internationally recognised research environment of the Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management (DEHRM), which mixes pure, strategic, and applied research to attract extensive funding from many sources.

Key Research Areas

• Air pollution and atmospheric chemistry
• Applied meteorology and climatology
• Environmental nanoscience and persistent organic pollutants

Course Overview

Our key research areas include air pollution and atmospheric chemistry, applied meteorology and climatology, and environmental nanoscience and persistent organic pollutants. Our work is supported by extensive funding from a wide range of sources. The collaborative nature of our research—spanning pure, strategic, and applied science—creates a dynamic and internationally recognised research environment.

Course Structure

This course is designed to be completed in 3-4 years on a full-time basis. Each PhD within the department is unique and doesn't adhere to a fixed structure. While we can't provide a specific framework, here is an overview of the expected assessment process during your PhD.

Year 1

Within every year, you are expected to attend a monthly progress meeting with your supervisory team where you will discuss your progress/research. All year 1 PhD students (or year 2 if part-time) will be required to submit a report for their end-of-year review that provides a reasonable basis for assessment of progress. This needs to be 3,000-5,000 words although there is flexibility in the format. In the first year of your PhD, you will typically focus on writing a literature review and undergoing methodological training, tailored to the needs of your research project.

Course Highlights

• Join a long-established school ranked highly for research excellence
• Be part of a research community with an international reputation
• Take part in seminars featuring world-renowned speakers
• Gain the full range of PhD skills, under the guidance of active researchers

Course Delivery

The collaborative nature of much of our work, together with the mix of pure, strategic and applied research, provides a dynamic and internationally recognised research environment.

• Tutorial
• Practical assignments
• 1:1 Supervision

Research Projects

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

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Find a Supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas.

Research Themes

Our research tackles urgent environmental challenges through a blend of fundamental and applied science. With strong interdisciplinary links and external partnerships, we focus on understanding and addressing the impacts of pollutants, climate processes, and emerging environmental materials. Our key areas of expertise include:

• Air Pollution and Atmospheric Chemistry
• Applied Meteorology and Climatology
• Environmental Nanoscience
• Persistent Organic Pollutants

Entry Requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline plus a relevant master's degree.

Research Proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Fees and Scholarships

• £5,181 (full-time)

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, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

Career Opportunities

At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

Careers Network

Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.

Related Courses

• Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution PhD
• Public and Environmental Health Sciences MSc

Student Experience

At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.

Accommodation

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.

Living in Birmingham

As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.

Campus Life

Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.

Student Support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.