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Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution PhD with Integrated Study

Start date
September
Duration
4 years full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Combined research and taught
Fees

£4,778 FT (UK students)
£27,360 FT (International Students)
More detail

 

 

Our Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution PhD with Integrated Study has been developed to provide a new route to the internationally-respected British PhD degree by incorporating subject knowledge, research training and the development of transferable skills.

The PhD with Integrated Study has been developed to provide a new route to the internationally-respected British PhD degree by incorporating subject knowledge, research training and the development of transferable skills.

The programme normally lasts for four years and combines a broad foundation in atmospheric science and air pollution through taught and assessed coursework, with the full research training and experience of a traditional PhD within which a student pursues their own research in a tightly-focused area.

The course combines taught modules (taken during years 1 and 2), in the areas of meteorology and air pollution, selected to match the candidate’s background, interests and research topic, with independent research work (performed predominantly in years 3 and 4), leading to the award of a PhD degree.

The PhD with Integrated Study in Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution has been developed to provide a new route to the internationally-respected British PhD degree by incorporating subject knowledge, research training and the development of transferable skills.

As a young scientist and an aspiring academic, I think that Birmingham has given me ample opportunities to prepare myself for the years ahead. I have received scientific training in my field of research, organised and participated in national and international symposia and conferences, and written grant applications (albeit small ones). These, together with a plethora of other training opportunities (e.g. academic writing, conference management, public engagement and the impact of research on public policy), have enabled me to continue to pursue a career in science.

Pallavi Pant

Why study this course?

The Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution programme takes advantage of the research experience of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. Within the Environmental Health Sciences research group, Climate and Atmosphere research specialises in applied meteorology and climatology, and links closely with the Air Pollution research group in the Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, which is the largest air pollution research group in any UK University. The research team of over 20 postdoctoral researchers and graduate students is highly international in character and derives its research funding not only from research councils and the European union but also through large contracts with government departments. The School has excellent Laboratory and IT facilities for research.

Modules

Students taking the PhD with Integrated Study in Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution take 120 credits of modules, selected from a wide range including:

  • Research Methods (10 credits; core module)
  • Causes and Effects of Air Pollution (20 credits)
  • Physical Climataology and Climate Change (10 credits)
  • Air Pollution Chemistry (20 credits)
  • Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition & Physics (20 credits)
  • Carbon Management (10 credits)

Students will also complete a major independent research project, leading to a 50,000 word PhD Thesis (dissertation), which is assessed by an oral viva examination.

The research topic is agreed in discussion between the student and their PhD supervisor(s), and may be in any of the Environmental Health Sciences research areas.


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees for 2024/25

  • UK students £4,778 FT only
  • International students £27,360 FT only

Learn more about fees and funding.

The School is the lead institution for the NERC-funded CENTA Doctoral Training Centre, which funds between five and seven PhD UK/EU studentships at Birmingham each year.

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the School directly or get in touch with the Funding, Graduation & Awards via the online enquiries system.

How To Apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

Applicants require at least a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Learn more about entry requirements.

International Requirements



International Students

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:


  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component

While the traditional PhD programme requires students to engage entirely in research, with appropriate research training, culminating in the production of a thesis, the PhD with Integrated Study enables students to gain added value from taught, subject-based modules. The taught modules allow students to broaden as well as deepen their subject knowledge at the same time as undertaking their own research and developing a set of transferable professional skills in preparation for careers as professional educators, researchers and for senior positions in public and private sector organisations.

Assessment Methods

This programme uses a variety of assessment methods, including, for the major independent research project, a 50,000 word PhD Thesis (dissertation), which is assessed by an oral viva examination.

This programme provides students with professional skills required for careers in professional education and research, and for senior positions in public and private sector organisations.