PhD Study
The Department of Geography and Sustainable Development provides a high level of training and support for a wide range of empirical, theoretical and methodological fields of study. Postgraduate studies are closely linked to the overall research activities of the academic staff within human geography, physical geography, and sustainable development:
- Environmental Change Research Group (ECRG)
- Environment and Society Research Group (ESRG)
- Population Health & Welfare Research Group (PHWRG)
The department is very well equipped with safe setting facilities for the analysis of sensitive data sets and excellent laboratory facilities for work in physical science. Our portfolio also includes a number of research centres in which we play a major role: the Longitudinal Studies Centre – Scotland, the Administrative Data Liaison Service and the Centre for Population Change, which are all ESRC-funded; the Wellcome Trust funded Scottish Health Informatics Programme; the Centre for Housing Research; the St Andrews Sustainability Institute, and the Scottish Ocean’s Institute. The wealth of knowledge and skill represented here provides extensive opportunities for networking, mentoring and collaboration.
We welcome applications from suitably qualified graduates to join our diverse postgraduate research community. Anyone with a 1st class or 2.1 degree in Geography or a cognate discipline can be considered for entry into the postgraduate programme. Funding for postgraduate research comes from research councils, public sector and not-for-profit agencies, and independent charities such as the Carnegie Trust. In human geography, we are part of the new Scottish Doctoral Training Centre that has recently been awarded 65 PhD scholarships by the ESRC for entry in 2011. We also offer NERC PhD studentships through both the quota system and specified awards.
A Postgraduate Committee oversees all aspects of School-related postgraduate administration including recruitment, and acts on information made available from the Progress Review Committees. The University’s GRADskills programme also provides a wealth of opportunities to help you develop your skills and achieve your research and career goals.
Further information
Additional information for postgraduate study can be found in the University Prospectus and Postgraduate Study Leaflet (PDF, 1,674 KB)
