Human Geography and Environmental Sciences PhD at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom

Human Geography and Environmental Sciences PhD at the University of Edinburgh is a postgraduate research opportunity in the School of GeoSciences, within the Research Institute of Geography and the Lived Environment (RIGLE).

This PhD is a strong fit for students interested in human geography, environmental science, GIS, environmental humanities, urban studies, development studies, and related interdisciplinary research. The programme supports original doctoral research leading to a thesis, with supervision, an academic adviser, interdisciplinary training, workshops, and opportunities to build skills in public communication, project management, and teaching.

Research strengths listed on the page include critical and qualitative human geography, quantitative and statistical geography, geographic information systems (GIS), geohumanities, environmental humanities, cultural studies, development studies, environmental studies, and urban studies. Specific themes mentioned include geopolitics, race/gender/sexuality, energy futures, extractivism, food security, health inequalities, hazards and disasters, human-animal relationships, media and mobilities, activism, sustainable development, environmental resource management, and urban change.

Eligibility: applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject. The university may also consider applicants with other qualifications or experience. English language proficiency is required for all applicants, including UK nationals, unless an approved exemption applies through an accepted degree or professional qualification.

Application requirements: academic CV, research proposal, proposed supervisor (if known), degree certificates and transcripts, English language evidence where applicable, certified translations if needed, and two references (preferably academic). The page also states that applications without a proposed supervisor and research proposal will be treated as incomplete.

Funding and costs: the page does not state that the PhD is automatically funded. Instead, it says most students combine funding sources such as loans, personal savings, work income, employer sponsorship, and scholarships. The School of GeoSciences also advertises postgraduate research funding opportunities. Full-time students should budget for at least £1,000 per year in additional research costs, and Edinburgh living costs are estimated at £18,504 per year for 2026-2027.

Application timing: the university recommends applying at least one month before entry, and earlier if you need funding or immigration processing. The programme page is for year of entry 2027 and lists multiple start dates.

Note: the page also states there is no fee to apply to this programme.