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Postgraduate Study

5 courses offered in the Department of Earth Sciences

The UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in the Application of Artificial Intelligence to the study of Environmental Risks (AI4ER) trains researchers (through several multidisciplinary cohorts) to be uniquely equipped to develop and apply leading-edge computational approaches to address critical global environmental challenges by exploiting vast, diverse and often currently untapped environmental data sets. Embedded in the outstanding research environments of the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the AI4ER CDT addresses problems that are relevant to building resilience to environmental hazards and managing environmental change. The primary application areas are:

  • Weather, Climate and Air Quality
  • Natural Hazards
  • Natural Resources (food, water & resource security and biodiversity)

Students in the CDT cohorts engage in a one-year MRes degree in Physical Sciences (Environmental Data Science) which includes a taught component and a major research element, followed by a three-year PhD research project. Students will receive high-quality training in research, professional, technical and transferable skills through a focused core programme with an emphasis on the development of data science skills through hackathons and team challenges. Training is guided by personalised advice and the expertise of a network of partners in industry, government, the third sector and beyond.

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The MPhil in Earth Sciences is a 12-month full-time programme of research that introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. It involves carrying out an original piece of research and is examined on the basis of the research thesis. There are no taught courses. Most of our postgraduate students apply for PhD admission.

The project outline will be developed in consultation with your supervisor and will comprise original research leading to the advancement of knowledge.  Research topics can be in any area which intersects with the expertise in the Department's research groups but should be agreed upon with a supervisor in advance. You will receive training in relevant research methods.

This MPhil by research will provide you with a suitable background to work as a research assistant as well as with the grounding for further study towards a doctoral-level research degree.

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We welcome research enquiries from those working for first degrees in earth science subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials, biology and related subjects. Most research studentships lead to the PhD degree. We are also happy to devise projects with you if you have specific interests that we share.

Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.

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This course offers a full Earth Sciences education up to the active research level. It is intended for students planning a career, further training or research within Earth Sciences, or for other students wanting the intellectual challenge of an advanced course in the Earth Sciences.

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This four-year doctoral training programme in Nuclear Energy is part of the multi-institutional EPSRC Nuclear Energy Futures CDT and aims to provide scientists and engineers with a broad overview of the nuclear energy sector in addition to in-depth training in a detailed area of civil nuclear energy.

The research project begins in the first year, but in this initial year of the four-year doctoral training programme, there are taught elements and required training visits to nuclear facilities in the UK and overseas in addition to research activity related to the student’s chosen research project.

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1 course also advertised in the Department of Earth Sciences

From the British Antarctic Survey

This PhD course takes place under the joint supervision of a research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and a University supervisor. Students may be based at BAS but will be registered for their degree with one of the partnering departments: Archaeology & Anthropology, Land Economy, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science and Technology.

BAS welcomes enquiries from those interested in higher degrees in earth science subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and related areas.

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Department Members


Professor RJ Harrison
Head of Department

  • 33 Academic Staff
  • 40 Postdoctoral Researchers
  • 80 Graduate Students
  • 200 Undergraduates

http://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/

Research Areas