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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Geography is no longer accepting new applications.

The Geography Department welcomes applications from well-qualified candidates with previous training in geography or a related discipline and normally a relevant master's qualification. The PhD is a full-time three-year research degree (or five-year part-time), examined by a thesis.

In the first year, students attend a comprehensive training programme based around seminars and workshops dealing with the debates in geography, the practice of developing and designing research projects, and the methods and techniques required to undertake the empirical elements of research. Research in Geography embraces both natural sciences (physical geography) and the social sciences and humanities (human geography). This PhD can, in principle, be taken in any of the topics covered by the Department of Geography and may, in part, be delivered through co-operation with other departments in social sciences, humanities and physical sciences depending on each student's individual needs. The University also offers a comprehensive range of training courses for personal and professional career development.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

5-7 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Geography

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
March 31, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 1, 2022
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 12, 2022

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2023, Lent 2024 and Easter 2024.


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