Environmental Science MPhil; PhD

MPhil: minimum 12 months full time; minimum 24 months part time
PhD: minimum 36 months full time; minimum 72 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2013-14

UK and EU: full time £4,320 - £10,950 part time £2,160 - £5,475
International: full time £10,840 - £20,810 part time fees

Fees vary according to the exact nature of the research project.

More information is available about tuition fees and discounts.

Research Areas

MPhil/PhD supervision is normally available in the following areas:

Environmental biology
We undertake research into the microbial ecology of a range of managed and natural environments. The ecology and diversity of plants and animals and their responses to human activity is also investigated at large, often landscape, scales, across many contrasting taxa.  Advanced environmental modelling is used to integrate and predict long-term patterns.

For more information: Nikki Morton; School of Biology; e-mail: n.j.morton@ncl.ac.uk; telephone +44 (0) 191 222 4848

Environmental change and management
We study long-term system evolution and change, and develop knowledge relating to the Earth's surface and the processes that form its structure and drive its function. Human behaviour and how it can impact on these systems and influence their sustainable management is also studied. You will be part of either the Quaternary Research Group or the Earth Surface Processes Research Group. 

For more information: Postgraduate Office, School of Geography, Politics and Sociology; e-mail: gps@ncl.ac.uk; telephone +44 (0) 191 222 5200

Geosciences
Geomicrobiology; mineral science; molecular microbial ecology; soil biogeochemistry; bioremediation of polluted soils and waters; cycling of carbon and other elements in Earth history; carbon export across the land – ocean interface; and climate change in ancient greenhouse environments.

For more information: Yvonne Hall; School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences; e-mail: yvonne.hall@ncl.ac.uk; telephone +44 (0) 191 222 6605

Marine sciences
Research is undertaken in the following areas - marine ecology, particularly the dynamics of fragile ecosystems and invertebrate reproduction; marine biotechnology, including biofouling; and marine biogeochemistry, with a particular focus on the oceans’ role in the cycling of climate-active gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur species.

For more information: Postgraduate Office, School of Marine Science and Technology; e-mail: marine@ncl.ac.uk; telephone +44 (0) 191 222 6661

Research Degree Training and Skills Development

Depending on your specific area of research, the Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School or the Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Schools will provide training in professional/key skills and research techniques, support personal development and host postgraduate events.

+Entrance Requirements

An upper-second-class Honours degree, and preferably a Masters or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent.

Our INTO Newcastle University Centre can provide extra tuition to help you meet the University's English language requirements.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has rules for international students regarding minimum English language requirements.

+Scholarships and Other Sources of Funding

Our students are funded from a range of sources including the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Supplementary support, e.g. provision of a free laptop, is available in some discipline areas.

International Students, consult your own government for funding. The University offers International Scholarships, and there are funding opportunities by external organisations available.

Students should consult their employers for sponsorship opportunities.

More information on scholarships, studentships, bursaries and other funding is available from our database.

+How to Apply

Visit our postgraduate application site.

There are two possible start dates for the Environmental Change and Management research degrees:

  • 23 September 2013 
  • or 6 January 2014

However, these dates are not mandatory and in some circumstances permission can be granted for alternative start dates.

There are three possible start dates for Environmental Biology; Geosciences; and Marine Sciences research degrees:

  • 23 September 2013
  • 6 January 2014
  • or 28 April 2014

However, these dates are not mandatory and in some circumstances permission can be granted for alternative start dates.

Applications for all research degrees are considered throughout the year although specific deadlines for funding may apply. 

Further application advice for Environmental Change and Management is available from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Further application advice for Environmental Biology; Geosciences; and Marine Sciences is available from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering.

Please note: As a formal condition of the offer to study at Newcastle University, students from outside the UK/EU are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship for their chosen programme. The deposit payment is non refundable, but will be deducted from tuition fees upon registration.

+Further Information

Subject Overview

This programme is within the subject area of Environmental Science.