Postgraduate study
The School of Earth Sciences has a world-class reputation for research excellence, with a vibrant and diverse community of postgraduate students. We offer a range of PhD and Masters programmes at the cutting edge of research.
Ref 2021 results
The School of Earth Sciences has been ranked second in the country in the REF2021 results. Overall, 100% of our research was rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Taught programmes
Aimed at providing students with a strong background for independent research to PhD level or for an applied career in museums, libraries, management, or the media.
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
View the prospectus
Research programmes
Research across the full breadth of the Earth Sciences, including experimental and theoretical studies of physical, chemical and biological processes of the Earth.
MSc: 1 year full-time
PhD: 3 years full-time
Part-time equivalents available
View our research projects
What I personally enjoy are the resources available (i.e. computers, books and intelligent people), the active research environment, seminars and the opportunity to do relevant and pioneering research.
Doctoral training
Doctoral training in environmental sciences.
A broad spectrum of academic and non-academic partners have created an innovative training programme that responds to current and future needs in Earth and environmental sciences.
View the projects.
Doctoral training
BBSRC South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership
A fully-funded, four-year programme providing cutting-edge world-class bioscience and food security research skills alongside a thorough training in numerical and systems based approaches.
View the projects.
Research and facilities
The School of Earth Sciences has a world-class reputation for research excellence, with a vibrant and diverse community of postgraduate students.