We are internationally recognised for our holistic and interdisciplinary approach to research, integrating physical, chemical, biological and social sciences to understand the Earth, its life and its people and the interactions between them. We are committed to tackling the environmental challenges facing society and securing a sustainable future for our world. Our postgraduate researchers are at the heart of active research teams, challenging boundaries and making real advances.
Research in the School of Environmental Sciences (ENV) addresses four overarching themes:
ENV postgraduate researchers work in these areas:
- Atmospheric and ocean sciences, polar sciences, autonomous vehicles
- Biological oceanography, marine biology, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, sediment ecology
- Climate science and climate change science
- Climate solutions: decarbonisation and net zero, adaptation and resilience
- Ecological economics and ecosystem services
- Ecology, conservation ecology, tropical ecology, movement ecology, host-parasite co-evolution, land-use change
- Environmental biology, conservation biology, genomics
- Geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, catchment science, natural hazards and resources
- Green economy, low carbon energy transitions
- Hazard risk communication, adaptation and disaster risk management
- Human and physical geography of the environment
- Science, society and sustainability
We also host international centres of research excellence spanning these themes as well as state-of-the-art research facilities for exploring the environment.
Below are some of the recent contributions from ENV’s postgraduate researchers:
These examples highlight the importance of postgraduate research in ENV in changing our world. Would like to join this vibrant research community?
Working closely with an academic supervisor gives you the support to carry out your own independent research and make your own mark. We have a wealth of remarkable academics, but how do you know which team will be right for you?
We suggest you look at ENV’s research on our web pages, check out our academics and read up on our publications. We recommend that you identify at least one member of academic staff in ENV who might become your supervisor and that you contact them, to express your interest and discuss your research interests with them.
Studentships are advertised here (select Find a PhD in Environmental Sciences), including for projects part of the Agriforwards CDT, ARIES DTP, CHASE DTP, Critical Decade for Climate Change LDS, Norwich Research Park DTP, SeNSS DTP Centre for Doctoral Training and Doctoral Training Programmes and Leverhulme Doctoral Scholars Programme.
Alternatively you can submit a research proposal of no more than 1500 words with your application for a self-funded project.