PhD/MPhil Environmental Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology / Overview

Year of entry: 2023

Degree awarded
Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy
Duration
PhD 3-4 Years Full Time, MPhil 1 year Full Time
Entry requirements
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).

Full entry requirements

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.

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

  

Environmental Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology, focuses on the characterisation of mineral water organic matter reactions in surface and near surface environments.  Since chemical reactions in these environments are often catalysed by microorganisms, we have developed a recent and expanding interest in geomicrobiology.  Here by combining the techniques of microbiology and molecular  biology with physical, chemical and modelling approaches, we focus on the role microorganisms play - or have played - in key geological processes.

Fundamental work aims to identify the biogeochemical controls on mineral cycles in a range of environments, including the iron and sulphur cycle; as well as those of toxic metals, including arsenic, chromium, technetium and transuranics. Our excellent infrastructure facilitates the study of the biological, mineralogical and geochemical components of such cycles at a molecular scale.

We are also currently investigating innovative approaches that can be used to guide natural biogeochemical cycles, in order to drive the remediation of land and water contaminated by metals, radionuclides and toxic organics.

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to register for our upcoming webinar for prospective applicants and learn about the steps you need to take to start your journey to postgraduate research.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A TBA; 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 TBA; 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.

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

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is offering a number of scholarships to both UK and overseas students. For more information about these scholarships please visit our Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes page or the Fees and Funding page on the Department website for more information on other scholarships and awards available.

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
0161 543 4026
Email
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.

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