PhD Geography and Environmental Sciences

The School of Geography and Environmental Sciences draws together researchers who investigate a wide range of both human and physical environments to address the most important international and regional challenges and impacts facing society today. We have an international research outlook with a research presence in five continents, 31 countries and three world oceans, providing a firm foundation to solving and exploring global issues. We consistently produce research judged as being world-leading or internationally excellent and in REF2021, 84% of our research publications and 100% of our research impact was scored as being world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) and 88% of our research environment was rated as being internationally excellent.

The School of Geography and Environmental Sciences seek to provide its PhD researchers with outstanding support and facilities for their work. Dedicated postgraduate rooms are designed to bring researchers together, share insights and experience and promote a vibrant culture of enquiry and scholarship. We encourage researchers to play a full part in the life of the school, and avail of opportunities for academic communication, training, teaching, travel and a range of events to foster professional development and collegiality. A range of facilities are available to support researchers including laboratory space, IT services, specialised field equipment and vehicles. In the 2019 Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey we achieved an overall satisfaction score of 83.6%, exceeding the national average score of 82.4% across all subject areas and 79% in the Geography and Archaeology category, reflecting the vitality of our high-quality PhD research environment.

PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence. The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.