Overview

Attend an open day

Programme overview

Earth Science research at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ spans earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth, addressing challenges from sustainable resource use to planetary evolution.

As a postgraduate researcher, you'll work within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, established in 1851, with access to facilities including the Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Science and isotope geochemistry and seismic visualisation labs.

Apply for one of our advertised research projects, or bring your own research question to a supervisor to develop a proposal.

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your programme or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every programme at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your programme:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 14: Life below water
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Contact details

Department
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
School/Faculty overview

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language.

Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests.

TOEFL iBT: At least 4.5 overall with no subskill below 4.5. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.

Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59. Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .

Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a run by the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For general requirements for each country - including English language - see .

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,238; Band B - £7,700; Band C - £13,200, Band D - £21,200; Band E £36,100
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,900; Band B - £32,400; Band C - £37,900, Band D - £45,900; Band E £60,800
  • PhD (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,619; Band B - £3,850; Band C - £6,600; Band D - £10,550; Band E - £18,050
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £14,500; Band B - £16,200; Band C - £18,950; Band D - £22,950; Band E - £30,400

The tuition fee for each project will depend on the cost of running the project, including, required access to laboratory facilities, equipment and materials needed to carry out the research, and whether the project is lab-based or desk-based. We therefore estimate the fee based on different bands.

Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum may be applied depending on fee status and band. For general fees information please .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information about our scholarships, to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Application and selection

How to apply

Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section below. When you are ready to apply, follow these instructions.

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should have:

  • Identified the you'd like to apply for or, if you already have funding, determined your own research project and title and discussed this with a supervisor.
  • Contacted the and spoken to them about your suitability for the project.
  • and discussed this with your supervisor, if you don't already have your own funding.

You’ll also need to make sure you have the following:

  • Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research, the area(s) of research you’re interested in, why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed.
  • Certificates and transcripts: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your current weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
  • CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
  • English language proof: A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
  • Referees: Names and contact details of two academic referees who we can get in contact with and will support your application.

Interview requirements

An interview is required for entry to this programme of study. Read our to help you prepare.

Deferrals

It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).

You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .  If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.

Programme details

Programme description

Research in the covers ; earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth.

Studying the Earth is fundamental to understanding the processes by which the Earth is formed. Earth Sciences research within the Department makes use of geophysics techniques such as seismology to investigate erosion, tectonics, sedimentation and volcanism processes.

We actively research the wide range of processes that shape and transform the Earth. This includes fundamental and applied research on sedimentary geology, and on structural geology and rock physics, which allow understanding of diverse processes including carbon sequestration, mineral exploration, anthropogenic pollutants in the environment, and magma chamber evolution.

Visit our to browse our range of currently available projects.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk .

Regulated by the Office for Students

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .