Earth and Environmental Sciences Research (MPhil/PhD)
Conduct world-class research in Earth and Environmental Sciences to understand and protect our planet’s future.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
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Take your expertise in Earth and Environmental Sciences into an independent research degree that explores how our planet works and how life has evolved.
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With environmental crises placing the future of the planet at risk, we're contributing to research aimed at tackling climate change and wider environmental crises. By studying a postgraduate research degree with us, you can use evidence to predict future change and identify ways to safeguard the planet.
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Investigate areas such as crustal evolution, environmental modelling and monitoring, marine biogeochemistry and ecosystems, palaeontology, applied geoscience and applied physics.
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Study alongside researchers and students whose discoveries can shape the field and attract wider attention, like one of our PhD students, who discovered the first fossil plant gum on record.
- Join an internationally recognised research environment, with 100% of research rated outstanding or very considerable impact (REF 2021).
Find a supervisor
Why choose Earth and Environmental Sciences at Portsmouth for research?
Collaborative research community
You’ll join a supportive, connected environment where ideas are shared and your work helps translate research into action.
Specialist research facilities
Work in advanced biophysical and marine science labs and access partner infrastructure, including major synchrotron and neutron sources, to support ambitious research.
Expert support, every step
You'll work closely with your supervisory team and have access to our Doctoral College training that will help you plan your project, sharpen your methods and build your researcher confidence.
82%
of our overall research quality was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Earth and Environmental Sciences 1100%
of our impact case studies were rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of their reach and significance.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Earth and Environmental Sciences 24th
of all post-1992 universities for research quality.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Earth and Environmental Sciences 3
Research areas in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Explore the work we're doing across the two areas of expertise in our Earth and Environmental Sciences research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Palaeontology and Environmental Change Research Group
We're exploring how fossil records can help us understand past climates and environments, and effectively predict and model climate change and its impact on the Earth’s ecosystems.
Environmental Processes and Impacts Research Group
We're looking at the Earth's changing environment and the influence of human activity on climate and ecosystems.
Research degree options in Earth and Environmental Sciences
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Earth and Environmental Sciences, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,006
- Members of staff: £2,000
- All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,238
- Members of staff: £2,100
- Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the Doctoral Development Programme, offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
- Access advanced geochemical facilities, including laser ablation and solution ICP-MS and ICP-MC-MS. Analyse a large range of materials and elements across the periodic table, and measure isotope ratios for sourcing of materials and dating minerals.
- Use imaging facilities, including scanning electron microscopy and near infrared spectroscopy. Image materials to extremely high magnification, measure the chemistry and crystallography of materials down to the nanometre scale, characterise the spectra of materials, and use remote sensing techniques to map their spatial distribution in the natural environment.
- Study rock and soil mechanics using specialist equipment including triaxial and uniaxial presses, acoustic sensors, and thermal testing systems. You can obtain data on the physical properties and behaviour of materials under different loading conditions and over a range of conditions.
- Work in our Hyperspectral Laboratory, featuring an ASD Labspec4 (Vis-NIR) spectrometer and spectral imaging systems including an infrared geotechnical core-scanner to examine rocks, soils, debris, environmental materials and archaeological artefacts for engineering and hazard characterisation.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You’ll graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our “Find a Supervisor” tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about Portsmouth's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study — get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
