- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Philosophy
- Duration
- PhD 3-4 Years Full-Time; MPhil 1 Year Full-Time
- Entry requirements
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The minimum academic entry requirement for a PhD in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD OR any upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) and a Master’s degree merit (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD.
- How to apply
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In your application you’ll need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)
- Your supervisor’s name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
- Details of your previous study
- Names and contact details of your two referees.
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 13: Climate action
- Goal 14: Life below water
- Goal 15: Life on land
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | N | N |
| MPhil | Y | Y | N | N |
Programme description
Studying the Earth is fundamental to understanding the processes by which the Earth is formed. Earth Sciences research within the Department makes use of geophysics techniques such as seismology to investigate erosion, tectonics, sedimentation and volcanism processes.
Geomorphology research is on-going to allow understanding of processes that shape and transform the Earth. There is also substantial research taking place on sedimentary geology, and on structural geology and rock physics, which allow understanding of diverse processes including fracking, carbon sequestration and magma chamber evolution.
Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.
Open days
Fees
Fees for entry in 2024 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2023 were as follows:
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PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £4,712; Band B £6,500; Band C £9,500; Band D £13,500; Band E £23,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500; Band E £54,000 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £2,356; Band B £3,250; Band C £4,750; Band D £6,750; Band E £11,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £13,250; Band B £14,250; Band C £16,750; Band D £20,250; Band E £27,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .
Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.
For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 13: Climate action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 14: Life below water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15: Life on land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4026
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty
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Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Programmes in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.