- 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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We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree or international equivalent, in a relevant science discipline or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalent).
- How to apply
- Apply online
You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.
We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.
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
Understanding the ecology and evolution of life on Earth is a fundamental research challenge and of central importance for most areas of the environmental sciences. For example, our researchers use ecology and evolutionary biology techniques for conservation biology and informing wildlife management.
We use ecological approaches to study organisms ranging from the smallest microorganisms to the largest plants and animals. In particular, we research how plants grow, how the environment affects plants, and how they interact with the soil ecosystems. Our research is contributing to growing understanding of the impacts of human activities on natural communities and on how we can improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. Furthermore, we study the ecology of microbial communities, which is critical the function of all ecosystems.
The principles of evolutionary biology allow us to understand biodiversity, disease outbreaks and competition of invasive species. Research in evolutionary biology employs a range of theoretical, computational and experimental approaches to understand and predict the structure and behaviour of biological systems. A particular focus is on metabolic responses to environmental change, the role of genetic mutations in microevolutionary processes and the impacts of natural and sexual selection on the morphology and behaviour of organisms. Our research involves evolutionary genetics and genomics, phyologenetics, molecular and genome evolution, organismal and behavioural evolution, and population genetics.
Open days
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2021, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Standard TBC, Band 1 £7,250, Band 2 £14,500, Band 3 £19,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £24,500, Band 1 £27,000, Band 2 £32,500, Band 3 £37,500 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Standard TBC, Low £3,625, Medium £7,250, High £9,750
International, including EU, students (per annum): Overseas Standard £12,250, Band 1 £13,750, Band 2 £16,250, Band 3 £18,750
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be 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 UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 0776
- pgr.earth.sci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty
-
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.