PhD Human Geography
Course overview
The PhD in Human Geography at Swansea University is a doctoral research programme where students design and carry out their own independent study in human geography. The focus may include themes such as migration, boundaries and identities, or urban space and social theory. Students work with supervisors to explore questions about how people interact with space, how societies form, how places are shaped, and how geographical processes influence human life. Graduates will produce a thesis that advances knowledge in human geography.
This PhD Human Geography programme sits within the Department of Geography at Swansea University, in the School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics. The mode of study is full-time (typically three years) or part-time (up to six years), depending on the student’s circumstances. The research areas include migration, identities, urban space, political economy, and related topics. Students will engage with seminars, workshops, and research training modules to support the study. Learning is centred on original research under the guidance of a supervisory team: a primary supervisor and one or more secondary supervisors. Assessment is through the submission of a doctoral thesis and an oral viva defence.
Entry requirements
Students must also prepare a clear research proposal, identify potential supervisors, and provide academic references.
Grade Requirements:
- To apply for the PhD Human Geography programme at Swansea University, students should hold a good honours degree (2:1 or above) and normally a relevant master’s degree.
- Acceptable applicants may also include those with first-class honours and strong research experience.
English Proficiency:
- The English language requirement for non-native speakers is IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0.
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Excellence Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Swansea University Sport Scholarship
Financial support (of up to £2000).
Thrive Bursary
The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).
Up to £4,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the PhD Human Geography programme can move into a variety of roles in academia, public policy, research institutes, and more. Possible job titles include:
- University Lecturer
- Research Fellow in Human Geography
- Policy Analyst
- Consultant in Spatial Planning
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
Cost of study
For international full-time students, the annual tuition fee for the PhD Human Geography research degree at Swansea University is £21,950. Students should expect a maximum increase of up to 3% in tuition per year.
Admission
To apply for the Swansea University PhD in Human Geography, applicants should use the university’s online research degree application portal. If you need assistance, you can reach out to one of our experienced counsellors at AHZ.
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