PhD in Human Geography

We have a large and vibrant postgraduate community with over 100 researchers. Over half of our postgraduate research students are international. The quality of Bristol Geography's research was confirmed by the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Bristol's School of Geographical Sciences ranked first for Geography in the UK Research Excellence Framework for the fifth REF cycle in a row. Bristol Geography offers an exceptional academic environment for your PhD research.

How do I begin?

You can contact any member of academic staff whose research interests match your proposed topic. You should email them a draft proposal (around 1,000 words) and a CV.

Please explore our research groups to find a suitable supervisor. You must have the support of two supervisors to apply. You may also be interested in our Geographic Data Science PhD.

How do I apply?

Full details on the application process, including documents required, language requirements, and fees can be found in the how to apply section. For more background information about studying for a PhD at Bristol see the Bristol Doctoral College and the University's Postgraduate study pages.

What funding is available?

University of Bristol PGR Scholarship

The School of Geographical Sciences has up to two University of Bristol Scholarships for either home or international students commencing their PhD in September 2027. 

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.

Deadline: 12:00 noon (GMT) Monday 18th January 2027.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) Human Geography

We have up to two SWDTP Scholarships for September 2027 entry. Please visit the SWDTP website for full details of this scheme.

Application is a two-step process.

University of Bristol deadline: 12:00 noon Monday 16th December 2026.

If successful at this stage applicants will be invited to submit to the SWDTP. SWDTP deadline: 12:00 noon on Tuesday 12 January 2027. 

Bristol-China Scholarship Council (CSC)

Please see the CSC webpages for details.

Deadline: 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 30 November 2026.

School of Geographical Sciences PhD Scholarship

As part of our commitment to an inclusive and representative student community, we are also offering a specific PhD scholarship for applicants of Black and mixed Black heritage eligible for home fees. If you are eligible for this award and would like to be considered for it, please contact the PGR Director franklin.ginn@bristol.ac.uk. 

Admissions queries: uob-pgradmissions@bristol.ac.uk 

PhD programme queries: Dr Franklin Ginn (franklin.ginn@bristol.ac.uk), PGR Director Human Geography