Human Geography, Ph.D. / M.Phil.
Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
Start date: PhD/MPhil - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. You will undertake an individual human geography research project over two years (MPhil) or three years (PhD), supported by our globally respected academic staff. The project will be shaped by your participation in research activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratory activity and fieldwork, as well as your involvement in one of our established research groups.
Swansea is a research-led University and our department makes a significant contribution. We have staff working on post-disaster landscapes (Professor Marcus Doel), new understandings of nationalism (Dr Angharad Closs Stephens), post-conflict cultural revival (Dr Amanda Rogers) and reducing poverty (Dr Sergei Shubin and his team) aim to reduce poverty through sustainable aquaculture via their PACONDAA project. Their expertise will support your work.
Please see our Human Geography Research page for more information on our current research projects We are ranked: 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
- Individual human geography research project supervised by globally respected staff
- Membership of an established research group shapes your project
- Research training through seminars, workshops, laboratory activity and fieldwork
- Staff expertise in post-disaster landscapes, nationalism and post-conflict cultural revival
- Links to PACONDAA project reducing poverty through sustainable aquaculture
- 90% of research outputs rated world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — to include geography or a related field; or above
- Master's degree: Merit — …an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in geography or a related field, or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).
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
- University lecturer
- Postdoctoral researcher
- Policy researcher
- Social research officer
- Development consultant
- Urban and regional planner
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,006 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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