Geography and environmental science research degrees

An overview of our postgraduate research in geography and environmental science and entry requirements for PhDs and other research degrees.

Snow capped mountains around a frozen lake

Academics in geography and environmental science research across the broad areas of environment and society and are part of the wider School of Social Sciences.

Our Physical geographers have a key focus on the sensitivity of local and global environmental systems to natural and anthropogenic change while our Human geographers have particular expertise related to crime, forced labour, health and disability, media, migration, policing, poverty, and security.

To read more on their research interests and actives, please visit the Geography and Environmental Studies research pages.

Propose your own PhD topic

If you want to propose your PhD topic, you can use the contact details below to contact a staff member to discuss your proposal.

How to write your best postgraduate research proposal

Entry requirements

For a PhD you should have 2.1 or above in a relevant MSc. If you wish to study an MRes or MSc, you would need a 2.1 or above in a relevant undergraduate degree.

English language requirements

IELTS (overall) Reading Listening Speaking Writing
6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5

We also accept other English language qualifications

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of certain countries.

Don't meet the English language requirements?

English language programmes

Prepare for university study and benefit from extra English tuition with an English language programme.

Geography and environmental science PhD tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2024/25 £4,786
per year of study		 £21,940 
per year of study
Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2025/26 £5,006
per year of study		 £21,940 
per year of study

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 3% annual increase for Scottish/Rest of UK students and a 5% annual increase for International students).

The tuition fee, and mode of attendance shown within the application system is provisional and confirmed when you are made an offer.

Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.

Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase

Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.

UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator. 

Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2025/26 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase. 

The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.

Apply for a research degree

You can apply for a PhD or other postgraduate research degree using our Direct Application System.

We have three start dates per academic year.

PhD Geography

MSc by Research Geography

1 year full time

PhD Environmental Science

MSc by Research Environmental Science

1 year full time

Social Sciences (non-graduating) (research)

 

Disabled students

The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.

Enquiries