Geography and Earth Science research degrees
The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase. See further details on how research degrees are structured at Hull and thesis submission expectations.
Geography and Earth Science research at the University of Hull is renowned for its international scope and relevance across human and physical geography and geology.
About our Geography and Earth Science research degrees
Specialisms at Hull include mass extinction research; simulating water and sediment flows on flood plains and Mars; environmental policy and governance; and mapping the historic connections between women’s property ownership and status.
Whether you choose to study at PhD or Masters level, you will find that we combine research expertise and cutting-edge facilities to deliver a unique experience. We have a network of exceptional research opportunities, and you will join established research groups which gather staff, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate researchers into clusters of world-class expertise.
We are a world-class centre of excellence for interdisciplinary research into, and postgraduate study of, both human and physical environments, as well as earth science. We also offer opportunities for multidisciplinary research between geography and other subject areas at PhD level.
Research topics
We welcome applications for postgraduate research across a broad range of areas.
The Postgraduate Training Scheme
It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.
Programme structure
PhD structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Masters structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 2 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Writing up and thesis submission
A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation needed; and part time Masters programmes have two years of research with up to two years of thesis finalisation.
For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.
If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.
Thesis submission timelines
It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:
Masters degrees
- Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 2 years and 6 months part-time.
Doctoral degrees
- Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related discipline appropriate to your intended research.
Contacting your prospective supervisor before you submit your application is not essential but may be helpful.
Typical offer
2:1 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Ready to get started?
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
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International student? Please use the link below to get in touch with our international team for answers and advice.