MPhil/PhD Geography (Human and Physical) at University of Exeter

Programme overview

In human geography our research is established around the following five groups: The Terrestrial Ecosystem Restoration and Adaptation group works on past, present and future environmental change.

Duration: PhD: maximum 4 years full-time; MPhil: maximum 3 years full-time; part-time pro-rata (0.5-0.9 FTE) | Study mode: full-time / part-time (research degree) | Intake: September, January or April | Location: Exeter, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Geography plays a key role in the Global Systems Institute: a transdisciplinary group of researchers, educators and partners developing transformative solutions to secure a flourishing future for humanity as an integral part of a life-sustaining Earth system. Geography also contributes to the Environment and Sustainability Institute on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall which has allowed us to expand our expertise in environmental and social change into areas focused explicitly on ecosystem services.

Career pathways

No matter what your ambitions, aspirations or career choice may be there has never been a better, or more significant, time to study geography. Key global issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion are not only at the forefront of socio-political philosophies and attitudes, but are also deep-rooted within geography, making it one of the most relevant courses that you could choose to study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a first degree equivalent to at least a UK 2:1 Honours degree (a 2:1 or equivalent is needed to be considered by the main funding bodies); relevant personal, professional and educational experience may also be considered for some programmes. Specific requirements vary by research topic. Application deadlines: The application deadlines for September starters are: 30 June for International Applicants 31 July for Home Applicants. Applications received after these deadline dates and before 1 October

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Home fee for 2027/28 to be announced; 2026/27 rate shown. Full-time; part-time pro-rata. Source

International applicants: GBP 24,500 a year (2027/28). Human Geography research, full-time. Source

Intake: September, January or April

Duration: PhD: maximum 4 years full-time; MPhil: maximum 3 years full-time; part-time pro-rata (0.5-0.9 FTE)

Apply through the official page: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/apply/

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