PhD Environmental Research at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

Research degrees at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), which uses analytical technology to address environmental, earth and life science questions. Students are trained as analytical scientists with access to the centre's equipment and technical expertise. The PhD thesis is up to 80,000 words.

Faculty: College of Science & Engineering | Department: Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time (study options list 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time) | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research is organised around three themes: Isotope Geosciences, Isotope Biochemistry, and Radiometrics, Environmental Chemistry and Radiocarbon. Illustrative topics include Quaternary geochronology, tracing climate and environmental change, environmental carbon cycling, stable isotope biochemistry and tracing radionuclides in the environment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usual standard of admission is a 2.1 honours degree. Required documents: academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, two references, research proposal. International applicants: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no subtest below 6.5 (also accepted: TOEFL iBT 98 overall for tests from 21 January 2026, PTE Academic test centre 70 overall, and other listed tests; General Training IELTS and online PTE Academic not accepted).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). UK annual fee for full-time study; 2027/28 UK fee to be confirmed; part-time is half the full-time fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,708 a year (2027/28). International & EU annual fee for full-time study; part-time is half the full-time fee. Bench fees (research support costs) may apply and are not included. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time (study options list 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time)

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