Ranking
17th
in the UK (QS Rankings 2025)
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Our Geography and Environmental Sciences PhD (Non-Lab Based) provides postgraduate research opportunities across the full spectrum of the School’s research areas, including human geography and environmental health sciences. Funding for these projects comes from a variety of sources, such as national research councils and industry partners. This PhD is designed for projects that do not require laboratory-based research.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll join a dynamic academic community, benefit from expert supervision, and access tailored training and seminars. You'll also have access to dedicated workspaces and top-tier facilities. Our interdisciplinary teams, global leaders, and strong national and international networks are tackling global challenges with impactful research.
The campus has a lovely green environment to study in and a wide range of study spaces if I fancy a change from my office. I have access to BlueBEAR the University's supercomputer, which has been an invaluable resource to my research! Also, the University Graduate School holds many events for PGR students so there's always lots to get involved in!
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
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 should be a 3,000-5,000 word written piece 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.
Year 2
Year 2
During your second year, you will focus on data collection to support your research methodology. This may involve primary data analysis in our world-class facilities. You will also meet regularly with your supervisory team to discuss the progress of your research.
Years 3 & 4
Years 3 & 4
In the final phase of your PhD, you will conduct a detailed analysis of your findings and progress to synthesising the results, culminating in the completion of your thesis.
To be awarded a PhD, students must submit their final thesis and defend it in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).
Course highlights
The Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences has a reputation as a leading research-intensive department in the UK looking to address global challenges.
- 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
- 17th
in the UK for Geography
QS World University Rankings 2025
- 92%
of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Personalised supervision from experts related to your area of research
Course delivery
You will receive guidance through academic supervision and engage in self-directed learning under the mentorship of at least two faculty members. You’ll benefit from a dynamic research community, with opportunities to attend seminars and actively participate in the research culture. The course can be pursued full-time, part-time, or through distance learning.
Projects
1:1 Supervision
Seminar
- Seminars: Although this course is primarily research-driven, you will have the opportunity to participate in seminars led by renowned academics and present your findings to your peers.
- 1:1 Supervision: You will meet regularly with your supervisory team to discuss your research and receive feedback to aid your progress. Your supervisors, who are experts in your field, will provide guidance and support throughout your PhD journey.
- Projects: You will lead your research efforts, taking full responsibility for every stage, including formulating research questions, selecting methodology, conducting a literature review, and synthesising findings.
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.
If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.
We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff in our school, and we recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.
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. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
Research themes
Members of the Department can offer supervision in a range of areas within Human Geography and Environmental Health Sciences including planning, regeneration, sustainability, climate change, transport, participatory and community-based approaches and more.
Our three research subthemes bring our expertise together on key topics:
- Adapting to Environmental and Energy Uncertainties
- Cities, Regions and Mobilities
- Children, Young People and Education.
These provide rich foundational knowledge for the School’s interdisciplinary focus on Urban Sustainability.
The Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA)
Our distinct approach will be to leverage Birmingham’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary research expertise; and apply/translate ideas, skills and influence into wider engagement and action on climate change and broader sustainability matters.
The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR)
BIFoR aims to provide fundamental science, social science and cultural research of direct relevance to global forested landscapes.
Centre for Urban Wellbeing (CUWb)
The Centre for Urban Wellbeing was established in 2020 to support interdisciplinary and community-engaged research informed by the best global evidence to address urban wellbeing inequalities.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Honours degree
and a Masters in a relevant subject
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.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
Fees and scholarships
- £5,181
Full-time
- £2,591
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
We help research students to produce publications arising from their work and encourage them to publish as single authors when appropriate. Many research students are aiming for academic careers and we recognise the importance of providing opportunities for them to be involved in teaching and tutorial work, without compromising their obligations as research students.
Careers Network
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.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. 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.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
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.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
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. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
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.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.