Swansea University

Glaciology, MSc by Research

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

Start date: MSc by Research - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. The MSc by Research in Glaciology allows you to undertake a year-long individual programme of personally and professionally enriching research. Your glaciology research project will be shaped by participation in activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratory activity and fieldwork, as well as your involvement in Swansea Glaciology Group [ https://www.swansea.ac.uk/geography/research-and-impact/swansea-glaciology-group/ ].

You will contribute to our research and learn methods such as computer simulation, satellite remote sensing, or geophysical and geological field methods. Swansea glaciologists work in the Arctic, Antarctic, and most glaciated regions to advance understanding of: Ice dynamic processes such as iceberg calving and basal processes in relation to ice streams, outlet glaciers and glacier surging; Interactions between ice sheets, solid earth, oceans and atmosphere; Reconstruction of past and prediction of future glacier, permafrost, and snow behaviour and processes; Past and future cryospheric contribution to sea-level rise Come and join our active and friendly research group at the University by the beach! Top 100 in the World (Shanghai Ranking Subject Rankings 2024) 90% of our research outputs have been recognised as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 100% of the environment was rated as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Top 201-250 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Key highlights

  • Year-long individual research project in glaciology
  • Join the active Swansea Glaciology Group through seminars and workshops
  • Learn computer simulation, satellite remote sensing or geophysical field methods
  • Fieldwork and laboratory activity shape your research project
  • Research spans Arctic, Antarctic and most glaciated regions worldwide
  • Study ice dynamics, sea-level rise and past and future cryosphere change

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • 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.

Careers this course leads to

  • Glaciologist
  • Research Scientist
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Climate Scientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Geophysicist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 per year | International: £21,950 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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