PhD/MPhil Petroleum Geoscience / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Research in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences covers three main research themes ; earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth. 

This programme focuses on fundamental studies of earth surface processes and sedimentary basins, and their application to petroleum geoscience. Many group members have industrial experience in the petroleum geoscience sector and are actively collaborating with industry on various research projects linked to understanding the structural and sedimentary evolution of sedimentary basins, 3D seismic interpretation and reservoir modelling.

Our research is focused on studies into processes controlling land- and sea-scape evolution, seismic and sequence stratigraphy, sedimentary basin tectonics, clastic and carbonate sedimentology and environmental change. We have developed novel digital outcrop studies and their application to reservoir modelling.

The group has dedicated state-of-the-art facilities for digital outcrop data collection and analysis (including terrestrial laser scanning) and for the interpretation, modelling and visualisation of 3D seismic data. We also have dedicated facilities for numerical modelling, in addition to central University HPC facilities.

The group runs several major industrial consortia including the rifts Analogues project (TRAP) and the North Africa Research Group

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.  The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Scholarships and bursaries

In the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk .