Geography PhD

A PhD is the most advanced form of postgraduate study. It is awarded on the successful completion of supervised research, verbal examination and final thesis.

Our students are strongly integrated into our research, contributing across all areas of activity and reflecting the international scope of our work.

Key facts

• Top 100 worldwide for geography in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
• 75% of research output considered world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework
• The school provides a range of specialised facilities

Research areas

Geography research areas include:

Cultural and Historical Geography

Shaped by, and shaping, wider developments in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Sub-themes include:

• Cultures of Landscape
• Historical Geographies of Empire, Environment and Health
• Histories of Geographical and Environmental Knowledge

Economic Worlds

Advancing analysis of economic phenomena in contemporary globalisation in geography and the wider social sciences. Sub-themes include:

• Money
• Knowledge
• Bodies
• Value

Environment and Society

Focused on topics at the environment-society interface in various geographical contexts and scales. Sub-themes include:

• Sustainable Rural and Urban Land Management
• Farming, Food and Forestry
• The Sustainable Use and Management of Water
• Health and Environment

Geosciences

Leading research in earth and environmental systems over a range of spatial and temporal scales; investigating patterns and processes within the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere to make inferences about past, present and future change. Sub-themes include:

• Biogeography
• Environmental Reconstruction
• Informatics
• Water Resources

School facilities

In addition to University IT services, you will be provided with your own desk space and laptop, and will have access to photocopying and telephone facilities. The school also has a number of specialised facilities, depending on your needs or research area.

Library facilities

The Hallward Library stocks all of the major geography publications and journals. Our library facilities open long hours and include areas for group work, individual and silent study.

Graduate School

The Graduate School supports all postgraduates and early career researchers at the University, with dedicated study spaces, training courses and placement opportunities.

Research seminars

Postgraduate students are integrated into the research community of the school through participation in research seminars given by visiting speakers, and research workshops given by members of the school. There is an active postgraduate research group in each of the school's four key research areas.

Funding support

PhD students are ordinarily provided with a support grant of up to £1,500 during their period of funded study and are also encouraged to apply for further school and University funding for conference attendance or other research-related expenses.

Teaching opportunities

Second and third-year research students can apply to build their paid teaching experience by working as Teaching Affiliates or Demonstrators on undergraduate modules. Students wishing to obtain teaching experience are required to attend modules on preparing to teach in higher education.

Student services

The University provides a range of support and information to enhance your student experience.

You will have access to:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• financial support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

English language courses

Our Centre for English Language Education offers presessional English courses to help develop your English and study skills.

The centre is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, so you can be sure that the teaching and facilities are high-quality. You can also access free English language support alongside your academic course.

Students’ Union

University of Nottingham Students’ Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or speak to the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Researcher training and development

The Graduate School training and development programme empowers postgraduate students and early career research staff to develop the skills required in their research and future careers.

You will be assigned two supervisors appropriate to your field. Please make sure that we have a supervisor who shares an interest in your proposed area of research before applying.

Individual projects may be based within one of the research themes or cross over between research groups, and you may have supervisors drawn from more than one group.

Careers

Many of our PhD students continue in the academic field, either at the University of Nottingham or elsewhere. Other recent graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as the Environment Agency, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Experian, the Forestry Commission, and business and professional service firms.

Average starting salary and career progression

85.7% of postgraduates from the School of Geography secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £26,000 was the average starting salary, with the highest being £33,000.*

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates who were available for employment, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Careers support and advice

Whether you are considering a career within or outside academia, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

You can access our Careers and Employability Service during your studies and after you graduate.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.