Postgraduate research opportunities

Our Geology and Environmental Sciences PhD programmes are suitable for students wishing to pursue a PhD which aligns to one of our Earth Systems Research Group themes. Often staff work across themes and are happy for you to get in contact with them to discuss your proposed research. Staff contact details are contained within each of the theme pages.  

Our Human Geography PhD programme is suitable for students wishing to pursue a PhD which aligns to one of our Human Geography Research Group themes.

Funded Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) studentships

Starting October 2025, these are  available via a competitive process. The successful candidate will receive full funding, for tuition and stipend at UKRI standard levels. International candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on 7 March 2025.

PhD opportunities: College Scholarships (Geographical & Earth Sciences)

We offer two College PhD Scholarships to begin October 1 2025. Each scholarship will be awarded to a student of outstanding ability and academic potential seeking to undertake a PhD on a topic that complements the current research activities of either the Earth Systems Science Research Group (ESSRG) or the Human Geography Research Group (HGRG). 

The award provides for UK tuition costs and an annual stipend in line with the UKRI rate (currently at £19,237) over the course of three and a half years. Plus the provision of up to £1000 per annum in research monies.

There may be scope for an international tuition fee waiver for an outstanding candidate, but this is not guaranteed. International applicants may consider providing the difference between UK tuition fees and international tuition fees through alternate sources.

Competition Process

We invite applicants to apply by submitting:

  1. A Research Proposal of maximum 2000 words (in Word, not PDF) comprising title, proposed supervisors, introduction to the project, aims and objectives, research and policy context (if relevant) and potential impact (if relevant), research methodology, provisional schedule, and bibliography; Proposals that are interdisciplinary are especially welcome.
  2. A maximum two-page CV;
  3. Applicant statement, maximum 500 words, on how your qualifications, skills, attributes and experience fit with the requirements of the proposed research project. You may include reference to relevant education, training, work/voluntary experience and personal interests;
  4. Degree transcripts in English (Undergraduate and Masters, if relevant).

The research proposal must be your own work, but your proposed supervisor may guide and advise you on developing and improving the proposal.

Please email these documents to Leenah Khan (Leenah.khan@glasgow) by 5pm Glasgow time February 14 2025 using the subject ‘College Scholarship application’. Applications after this time/date will not be considered.

Applicants should also ask one referee to send a reference letter in support of their application to Leenah.khan@glasgow.ac.uk by February 14, clearly stating the name of the applicant and the project in the email subject line.

Selection Process

  • Stage 1. After the application deadline the applications will be checked to ensure all requested information has been provided. All eligible applications will then move forward to Stage 2.
  • Stage 2. An assessment panel with no conflict of interest will assess all eligible applications to select a shortlist for interview. Interviews are expected to take place on the week beginning 31st March.
  • Stage 3. Post interview the preferred candidate will be asked to undertake a formal application to the University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Graduate School and will be proposed for approval by the College so that a formal offer can be made.

Due to the expected volume of applicants, it will not be possible to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted.

James McCune Smith PhD Scholarships

The James McCune Smith Scholarships fund Black UK students to undertake PhD research at the University. They provide an enhanced experience through external mentors, placements, leadership training, community-building activities and networking opportunities. The Scholarships are named after James McCune Smith, who graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837 as the first African American to receive a medical degree. 

DiveIn (EPSRC CDT in Diversity-Led, Mission-Driven Research)

DiveIn prioritises diversity, creating an inclusive space for varied talents to produce transformative interdisciplinary research in Net Zero, AI and Big Data, Technology Touching Life, Future Telecoms, Quantum Technologies and more.