Learnstone logo
Physical Geography banner
Swansea University logo

Physical Geography

Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies

Research

PhD

  • Overview
  • Application Timeline
  • Tuition
  • Requirements
  • Modules
  • About
  • Subject Area Information
  • Career
  • Similar courses

Overview

The PhD/MPhil programs in physical geography offer start dates in October, January, April, and July, with research durations of two years for MPhil and three years for PhD. Students will work on individual projects supported by esteemed faculty specializing in various environmental topics. Research groups focus on areas such as environmental dynamics, glaciology, and global environmental modeling.

Application Timeline

  1. October 1, 2025
    Start date
  2. January 1, 2026
    Start date
  3. April 1, 2026
    Start date
  4. April 30, 2026
    Today
  5. July 1, 2026
    Start date

Tuition

Year 1
Student categories Study
Full-time Part-time
EU£21,300£10,650
International£21,300£10,650
Wales£4,800£2,400
Scotland£4,800£2,400
England£4,800£2,400
Northern Ireland£4,800£2,400

Requirements

Entry Requirements:
Language Requirements

Language requirements information is currently unavailable.

Modules

Modules is currently unavailable

Please check back later for updates.

About

Start Dates

The PhD/MPhil programs have the following start dates:

  • 1st October
  • 1st January
  • 1st April
  • 1st July

Research Projects

Students will engage in individual physical geography research projects, with durations of:

  • Two years for MPhil
  • Three years for PhD

Academic Staff

Research will be supported by esteemed faculty members, including:

  • Professor Stefan Doerr: Expert on wildfire impact and water pollution risk.
  • Professor Adrian Luckman: Known for research on the Larsen C Ice Shelf and ice rift predictions.
  • Professor Siwan Davies: Focuses on historical climate change and its effects, including a documentary on current climate impacts.
...

Subject Area Information

Glaciology and cryospheric systems is a specialized field within Earth sciences that focuses on the study of glaciers, ice sheets, and other components of the cryosphere, which includes all of the Earth's frozen water. This discipline is crucial for understanding climate change, sea-level rise, and various ecological and geological processes.

Typical Course Structure
  • 1. Introduction to Glaciology

  • 2. Cryospheric Processes

  • 3. Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere

  • 4. Glacial Geology

  • 5. Climate Change and the Cryosphere

  • 6. Field Methods in Glaciology

Typical Skills Acquired
  • Data Analysis
  • Technical Proficiency
  • Fieldwork Competence
  • Critical Thinking

Career

A discipline in glaciology and cryospheric systems equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's frozen regions, the skills to study and analyze these areas, and prepares them for various careers that address some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

Potential Professions
  • Glaciologist

    Conducts research on glaciers and ice sheets, often working for universities, research institutions, or government agencies.

  • Climate Scientist

    Specializes in studying the impacts of climate change on the cryosphere and contributes to climate models and predictions.

  • Environmental Consultant

    Works with organizations to assess and mitigate the impacts of environmental changes, including those related to the cryosphere.

  • Remote Sensing Specialist

    Utilizes satellite and aerial imagery to monitor and analyze changes in the Earth's ice cover.

  • Geologist

    Focuses on the geological aspects of glaciation, including the study of landforms created by glacial activity.

Similar courses

Contact

Loading map...
Singleton Park, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA2 8PP
Get expert guidance

Enhance your academic journey with the help from our experts.

Contact

Loading map...
Singleton Park, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA2 8PP
Get expert guidance

Enhance your academic journey with the help from our experts.

© 2022-2026 Learnstone