Environmental Sciences PhD/MPhil/MRes

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom, Nottingham

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109

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University of Nottingham

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesFebruary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 33,800 / year(s)

Next Intake February-2026

Environmental Sciences PhD/MPhil/MRes

About

Research overview

Climate change

Climate change impacts many aspects of our environment, both natural and managed ecosystems.

At Nottingham we carry out research to understand how climate has varied over time, what has caused this variation, and how it has impacted on plants and animals, shaping evolution. In this way, we use the past to understand how climate change will impact the natural world and the agro-ecosystems upon which we rely.

We also study how climate change impacts ecosystems today. This ranges from melting permafrost in the Arctic, to UK agricultural systems and warming forests in the Tropics. As part of this work, we are demonstrating the importance for natural ecosystems as they offer important climate mitigation tools and improve the resilience to climate change.

Ecology

Our research spans a wide range of topics in applied ecology, from microbes to insects to elephants. We also contribute to the theoretical and empirical study of natural ecosystems. In most cases our research connects to anthropogenic issues related to agriculture, pollution and environmental change.

Read about some of our research in the School of Biosciences: Good for cows, good for the planet: reducing dairy's carbon footprint

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Qualification	PhD/MPhil/MRes
Degree	2:1 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject or 2:2 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject with a Merit at masters level; other qualifications may also be accepted.

Qualification	PhD/MPhil/MRes
Degree	2:1 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject or 2:2 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject with a Merit at masters level; other qualifications may also be accepted.
International and EU equivalents	We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
IELTS	6.5 (6.0 in each element)
English language requirements	As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 in each element) IELTS:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

English language requirements:

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Career

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.