Geography PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London

Programme overview

The Department of Geography is in the top tier of UK departments and has consistently been identified as one of the highest performing in successive research assessments (most recently, ranked 5th in REF2021). We have over 30 members of academic staff and notable research concentrations in Quaternary science, social, cultural, and historical geography, the GeoHumanities, geopolitics and security, development studies and sustainability.

Department: Geography | Duration: 4 years full time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Egham, England, United Kingdom

Career pathways

Our graduates have entered into a wide range of careers, within academia and beyond, including positions at the British Library, the Department for International Development, commercial consultancy, NGOs, think-tanks, major cultural institutions and museums, and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The Department would ordinarily expect applicants to hold a UK 1st- or upper 2nd-class undergraduate degree (or a recognised international equivalent) together with a relevant Master’s degree (at Pass level or higher). Professional experience, particularly in the case of applicants wishing to pursue a practice-based PhD, will be considered in the absence of a Masters degree. Before applying we recommend securing a supervisor in order to apply for your research project. We advise getting in touch with the Director of Postgraduate Education making an informal enquiry for your chosen research degree to inquire whether there is any other additional material they require you to submit in your application. English language: IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27) Source

International applicants: GBP 27,500 a year (2026/27) Source

Duration: 4 years full time

Apply through the official page: https://royalhollowayacuk.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login

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