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Course overview
Our Geography (Urban and Regional Studies) PhD is offered by the department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. Set in a city with rich industrial heritage that has undergone a rapid and dramatic transformation over the past two decades - your future as a thought leader in planning and development starts here.
Our Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences is home to one of the leading groups of planning academics, providing unparalleled mentorship and cutting-edge research opportunities. This advanced degree is designed for those aspiring to excel in academia or to lead in fields such as urban planning, sustainable development, urban regeneration, and transport planning. By engaging with the latest theories and methodologies, you'll gain the skills needed to address complex challenges in urban environments, influence policy, and drive innovation in shaping sustainable, thriving communities.
The campus has a lovely green environment to study in and a wide range of study spaces if I fancy a change from my office. I have access to BlueBEAR the University's supercomputer, which has been an invaluable resource to my research! Also, the University Graduate School holds many events for PGR students so there's always lots to get involved in!
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course structure
This course is designed to be completed in 3-4 years on a full-time basis. Each PhD within the department is unique and doesn't adhere to a fixed structure. Whilst we cannot provide a specific framework, here is an overview of what you can expect during your PhD.
Within every year, you are expected to attend a monthly progress meeting with your supervisory team where you will discuss your progress/research. All year 1 PhD students (or year 2 if part-time) will be required to submit a report for their end of year review that provides a reasonable basis for assessment of progress. This should be a 3,000-5,000 word written piece although there is flexibility in the format. In the first year of your PhD, you will typically focus on writing a literature review and undergoing methodological training, tailored to the needs of your research project.