PhD in Environmental Sciences in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom offers 15 PhD programmes in Environmental Sciences across 5 universities, providing doctoral researchers with access to leading laboratories, field sites, and interdisciplinary research groups. The University of Strathclyde, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey, Oxford Brookes University, and the University of Birmingham are the five institutions represented.
Tuition fee information is not currently available for these programmes; PhD funding in the UK is available through UKRI doctoral training partnerships, university scholarships, and government-sponsored schemes, so prospective applicants should research funding opportunities alongside their programme search. Research topics span climate science, ecology, pollution, hydrology, and environmental policy.
Climate Change, Sustainability and Society PhD
This PhD program focuses on researching the urgent social challenges related to sustainability within the broader context of global environmental change. It aims to train a new generation of researchers who can develop long-term solutions for maintaining ecosystems and human well-being, considering factors like population growth, resource limitations, and environmental fragility. The research is primarily social science-based, applied, and policy-oriented, emphasizing future-focused strategies. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as economics, law, politics, psychology, geography, and demography, to foster collaborative work across diverse academic backgrounds.
Environmental injustices in Robinson Jeffers’s and Denise Levertov’s ecopoetry
This PhD thesis examines how the ecopoetry of Robinson Jeffers and Denise Levertov critiques environmental injustices. It analyzes their exploration of how modernity, imperialism, and environmental degradation impact both human and non-human lives and ecological balance. The research identifies a shared critical trajectory in their work, moving from describing injustices to condemning their political roots and finally proposing alternative ecological values. The thesis argues that their poetry bridges divides between urban and natural environments, different cultures, and humans and non-humans, offering a model for reconstructing anthropocentrism towards ecological integrity. It highlights their work in revealing the 'environmental unconscious' and envisioning environmental imagination and justice. The thesis is structured around three key contexts. Chapter 1 focuses on Jeffers's response to modernity, portraying the city as a source of corruption that alienates people from nature and contrasting this with the timeless values found in nature, aligning with his philosophy of Inhumanism. Chapter 2 delves into Levertov's depiction of the Vietnam War, highlighting its destructive impact and exploring her political poetry of resistance which promotes empathy and solidarity. Chapter 3 investigates how both poets address the exploitation and destruction of land and animals, using myth and figuration to represent non-human forces struggling against human injustices and affirming non-human agency and consciousness. Drawing on contemporary ecocriticism and Environmental Justice theory, the thesis reframes the poets' critiques through the lens of urban alienation, war victimization, and the exploitation of the natural world. It analyzes the emotional responses to these injustices and underscores the poets' awareness of universal interdependence. The research demonstrates how non-human elements actively counter human denial, affirming their existence and challenging the anthr
Nigel Groome Studentship: Behavioral ecology of nesting in penguins
Nigel Groome Studentship: The psychology of the ‘spiritual but not religious’
This PhD studentship focuses on the growing demographic of individuals who identify as ‘spiritual but not religious’ (SBNR). This group often rejects traditional religious structures while embracing personalised spirituality. The project aims to explore the diversity of SBNR worldviews across different cultures, investigate methods for identifying SBNR individuals, and examine how these worldviews are transmitted. By addressing these areas, the research will significantly enhance the psychological understanding of SBNR beliefs, values, and practices.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PhD in Environmental Sciences cost in the UK?
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Tuition varies by programme — check each listing, as many UK PhD candidates secure full funding through UKRI grants or university scholarships that cover both fees and a living stipend.
Which universities offer a PhD in Environmental Sciences in the UK?
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The five universities are the University of Strathclyde, the University of Reading, the University of Surrey, Oxford Brookes University, and the University of Birmingham.
Can international students apply to Environmental Sciences PhD programmes in the UK?
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Yes, UK universities accept international doctoral candidates; applicants need a student visa and should note that some UKRI-funded studentships are restricted to UK-resident candidates.
What are typical entry requirements for a PhD in Environmental Sciences in the UK?
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Most programmes require a 2:1 or first-class bachelor's degree and often a master's degree in environmental sciences or a related field, along with a research proposal and alignment with a potential supervisor's expertise.
How do I apply for a PhD in Environmental Sciences in the UK?
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Contact potential supervisors directly before submitting a formal application; funded studentship deadlines are often in January or February, while self-funded applicants may apply year-round.