PhD in Human Geography
University of Bristol PGR Scholarship: Application deadline 19 January 2026
South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP): Now closed
PhD Graduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) position in Human Geography: Application deadline: 23.59 GMT on 13 March 2026
All PhD programmes in Bristol are delivered via the Bristol Doctoral College and general information can be found on their website and please also see the University's Postgraduate study pages.
PhD students in Human Geography generally align with the research groups in the department, Historical and Cultural, States, Economies & Societies and Quantitative Spatial Science, although many students cross groups depending on the needs of their specialist topic. Within Human Geography we have international expertise in a wide range of methodological approaches include advanced quantitative modelling, qualitative analysis and documentary approaches.
We regularly admit students who already have funding or are willing to self-fund their studies. For applications we ask that prospective students provide a research proposal on a topic they are interested in studying. For examples of topics that are currently being undertaken see our Scholarships page.
This list is not exhaustive, so if you have another idea or project in mind, please contact potential supervisors or the postgraduate admissions tutors to discuss and develop further.
You must have listed 2 (or more if relevant) supervisors on your application before applying. Please make sure to contact potential supervisors before applying to confirm their support for your application.
When applying, please search for and submit your application under "Geography (PhD)". Applications without a research proposal or listed supervisors will not be considered.
University of Bristol PGR Scholarship
The School of Geographical Sciences has a number of University of Bristol Scholarships for both home and overseas students commencing their PhDs in 2026/27. These can be awarded on a full-time or part-time basis.
These scholarships, available for a period of up to 4 years, cover tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI amount. There is also an allocated amount of funds for research and training expenses per year.
Please make sure to read the admissions statement and other application information on the website before applying.
The deadline for applications is 11:59pm (GMT) Monday 19th January 2026. We regret that we cannot consider applications for funding received after the deadline.
Please select 'University of Bristol Scholarship' under the funding options of your application.
As part of our commitment to an inclusive and representative student community, we are also offering a specific UoB PhD scholarship for applicants of Black and mixed Black heritage eligible for home fees starting their programme in 2026. If you are eligible for this award and would like to be considered for it, please confirm this with our admin team at geog-pgadmin@bristol.ac.uk.
PhD Graduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) position in Human Geography
The School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, has a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant position in Human Geography for 2026/27 entry, with an anticipated start date of 01 September 2026. The School is consistently ranked as top in the UK in terms of the amount of research its staff produce which is deemed "world class". It has a vibrant and expanding Graduate School of some 150+ PhD and MSc students.
The PGTA scholarship award is for 4 years. For the first 3 years the Geography PGTA will spend 85% of their time carrying out research as a PhD student and 15% of their time supporting undergraduate (or exceptionally taught PG) teaching, typically in tutorial, seminar, field or laboratory classes and under the direction of the member of academic staff responsible for the taught unit. The final 12 months will be free of teaching to enable the PGTA to focus on completing their PhD write-up, and Geography PGTAs typically will not have any teaching load in their final year. Training and support for teaching will be provided in line with the University’s policy on “Postgraduate Research Students Who Teach” and will be appropriately mentored.
The successful applicant will propose a research topic for their PhD in Human Geography, in consultation with staff at the School of Geographical Sciences. The proposal will be considered as part of their application. The successful candidate will have an academic track record and research potential in Geography, in addition to evidence of teaching experience or experience potentially matched to teaching needs.
Please contact your proposed supervisors to gain their support with your application before applying to the University. You will need to submit a 1,500 word research proposal as part of your application and name two supervisors who support your application.
Funding information:
A Geographical Sciences PGTA studentship will cover research degree fees at the home rate, a pro-rata PhD stipend and a part-time teaching assistant salary (to an equivalent of RCUK funded PhD studentship rates). We regret that we cannot cover international fees, so the successful applicant must cover the difference in fee costs if applicable.
When applying for this position, please select ‘University of Bristol Studentship’ on the funding options tab to be considered for this position. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview (to be held online).
For further information, applicants may contact the School’s Year One Director, Dr Becky Collins (becky.collins@bristol.ac.uk), or the School’s Human Geography PGR Director, Dr Franklin Ginn (franklin.ginn@bristol.ac.uk).
Application deadline: 23.59 GMT on 13 March 2026.