PhD in Earth Sciences PhD/MPhil

The tuition fee is 25,350 GBP per year.

Overview

Earth Science at Liverpool is a dynamic and internationally recognised discipline, offering research degrees and research projects that address critical environmental and energy challenges, such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and microplastics.

Introduction

Our postgraduate researchers are led by internationally-renowned experts and enjoy a first-class experience in an exciting research environment. Our research integrates fieldwork, experimental studies, and numerical modelling to explore both solid Earth and surface processes. PhD students benefit from world-leading laboratory facilities, dedicated supervision, and training in essential research skills, including data analysis, modelling and scientific communication.

Research culture

Our research community is collaborative, innovative and internationally engaged. We focus on addressing fundamental earth science questions with real-world impact, using a mix of laboratory, field and computational approaches. Postgraduate researchers are fully integrated into research groups, engaging in interdisciplinary projects and contributing to global energy and environmental solutions.

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.