- 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 standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.
- 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) or area of research
- Your proposed supervisor’s name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
- A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
- Details of your previous university level study
- Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.
- 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
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.
Planetary Scienceapplies a fundamental knowledge of isotopes and chemistry together with new observations to understand natural systems. Together with a strong history of designing and building many of its own instruments, group research interests extend from extraterrestrial systems and early solar system processes to addressing some of the key resource and environmental problems society faces today.
We work on precious samples from the moon, mars, rare meteorites and samples returned by NASA missions. Research includes understanding the processes forming the solar system starting material, the rate and timing of the formation of meteorites and early solar system bodies leading to the formation of the terrestrial planets.
We have projects that study how the Earth's mantle works and those that reveal the workings of volcanic systems in place like Iceland. We use isotopes to trace ocean circulation and climate change, investigate safe carbon dioxide sequestration and understand drinking water contamination processes that can affect millions.
Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.
Open days
Visit our Events and Opportunities page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
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PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,006.00; Band B - £7,400; Band C - £10,500; Band D - £15,200; Band E - £25,700
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,400; Band B - £31,500; Band C - £37,300; Band D - £45,200; Band E - £59,900 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,503.00; Band B - £3,700; Band C - £5,250; Band D - £7,600; Band E - £12,850
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £14,700; Band B - £15,750; Band C - £18,650; Band D - £22,600; Band E - £29,950
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 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) 161 529 3049
- 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.