Human Geography MPhil/PhD
London, Bloomsbury
This is the programme information for 2026/27 entry
As well as providing world-leading disciplinary and interdisciplinary research training, our programmes provide outstanding opportunities for networking across public, private and third sector organisations. With extensive experience in building partnerships, knowledge transfer, applied research and public engagement and impact, UCL Geography enables doctoral students to enhance their employment prospects while pursuing cutting-edge research.
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
Duration
Programme starts
Applications accepted
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted at least three months prior to your preferred start date.Entry requirements
Normally a UK Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
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The English language level for this course is: Level 2
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
Equivalent qualifications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.
About this degree
The MPhil/PhD in Human Geography provides a structured route for students undertaking research into the spatial dimensions of social, political, cultural, and economic life. The programme supports critical and innovative work on issues such as urbanisation, migration, environment and development, and digital geographies.
Students develop an original thesis under the guidance of a supervisory team, and receive tailored training in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, theory, and professional skills. The course includes opportunities for academic engagement through seminars, teaching, and conferences. Graduates go on to careers in academia, policy, NGOs, and the private sector.
Who this course is for
The Human Geography PhD is for applicants with a strong intellectual commitment to exploring contemporary social, political, cultural or economic issues through geographical research. This route is suited to individuals who are critically engaged, reflective, and eager to make a contribution to debates in human geography and beyond. A strong proposal and a willingness to contribute to an active research culture are essential.
What this course will give you
Join a world-leading (QS Rankings 2025) centre for research in human geography, where critical, interdisciplinary thinking is supported by expert supervision and rigorous training. The UCL Human Geography Research degree enables students to pursue ambitious research projects that engage with pressing social, political, environmental and spatial challenges. Through strong academic networks and connections with the public, private and third sectors, the programme supports impactful research and a wide range of career pathways.
The foundation of your career
PhD graduates from UCL Geography’s Human Geography route pursue careers in academic research, higher education, and a wide range of professional sectors. Many continue their work at internationally recognised institutions, such as UCL and the University of New South Wales.
Others go on to apply their research expertise in areas such as:
- Higher education and academic research
- Media and communications
- Policy and social research
According to the Graduate Outcomes survey (2017–2022), the majority of respondents were in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduating. Employment destinations span the UK and overseas, reflecting the Department’s international reach and the global relevance of doctoral research in human geography.
Typical job roles include:
- Higher education teaching professionals
- Business and research analysts
- Social and humanities scientists
Graduates benefit from a strong research training environment, interdisciplinary networks, and opportunities for teaching and public engagement, all of which support a broad and flexible career trajectory.
Employability
PhD students in Human Geography build a strong foundation in qualitative and/or quantitative research, alongside analytical, writing and communication skills essential for careers within and beyond academia. UCL’s Doctoral Skills Development Programme and Department-led training support this academic and professional growth.
Students also gain experience through teaching opportunities and participation in collaborative projects, public engagement, and policy-relevant work. The Department’s established external partnerships offer valuable pathways for students to build networks, shape impactful research, and enhance career readiness across diverse sectors.
Networking
Graduate students on the Human Geography route benefit from a vibrant and supportive research culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences within the Department. You may also wish to lead on the organisation and agenda setting for the Departmental Postgraduate Research Forum which meets monthly as hybrid meetings, as well as taking part in or running events hosted by UCL’s interdisciplinary research centres. These forums provide valuable space to present your work, receive feedback, and connect with leading scholars across a range of academic fields.
Research Councils UK (RCUK)-funded students have additional opportunities to collaborate with non-academic partners, including placements or engagements within public, private and third sector organisations. These experiences help build professional networks and enhance the societal relevance of your research.
You will also be encouraged and supported to take part in public-facing events, academic conferences and specialist workshops related to your research interests, enabling you to develop connections that support both academic and applied career pathways.
Teaching and learning
You will receive continuous support throughout your PhD to help you develop and deepen your research. In your first year, you will undertake rigorous training designed to build both the academic and transferable skills needed to complete your PhD successfully and to support your longer-term career aspirations.
This training is delivered by leading academic researchers and professional staff in the department, and includes key areas such as:
- Communicating your research effectively in both written and spoken formats
- Media engagement and public communication
- Risk assessment and ethical research practices
- Critical analysis of academic literature
These learning activities provide a strong foundation for your research and contribute to your professional development across academic and non-academic pathways.
PhD students in Human Geography are supported to develop a personalised training pathway that reflects the interdisciplinary and often qualitative nature of their research. While there is no fixed curriculum, students have access to a wide range of training in research methods, ethics, public engagement and academic writing, both within UCL Geography and across the university.
Students may audit relevant MSc modules or take part in UCL’s Doctoral Skills Development Programme, while those funded through doctoral training partnerships (such as the UBEL DTP) benefit from additional cohort-based training and opportunities to work with external partners.
This flexible approach allows students to build the methodological, theoretical and transferable skills they need to support original doctoral research and a broad range of future careers.
The PhD is assessed through an oral examination (viva voce) conducted by a panel of two subject experts: an external examiner—who may be based anywhere in the world—and an internal examiner, typically from UCL. To ensure an unbiased evaluation, you should not have had significant prior contact with either examiner.
Your primary supervisor will propose appropriate examiners during your final year, in consultation with you. These nominations are reviewed by UCL’s examinations office, which may approve or reject them based on institutional guidelines.
The examiners are given several weeks, and sometimes longer, to examine your thesis in depth. The viva itself is a formal academic discussion lasting two hours or more, during which you will be asked to defend your research through a combination of direct questions and more open-ended dialogue. This process is designed to assess your contribution to knowledge and your engagement with relevant scholarly debates.
Full-time students are typically expected to devote around 36.5 hours per week to their PhD, including independent study, data gathering, analysis, and writing. Time commitments may fluctuate, especially during intensive periods such as fieldwork or archival research. For part-time students, this is up to 20 hours per week.
One-to-one meetings with the primary supervisor generally take place monthly, though the exact frequency depends on the student’s research needs. Students also benefit from broader supervisory input, peer engagement at the Geography Postgraduate Research Forum, and departmental training and events.
Research areas and structure
- Past climates
- Recent environmental change and biodiversity
- Environmental modelling and observation
- Global urbanisms
- Environment, politics and society
- Culture and migration
- Geospatial analytics and computing
Please visit the departmental website for full details on the research areas.
Research environment
Doctoral researchers in Human Geography at UCL benefit from a stimulating and supportive environment that fosters ambitious, innovative scholarship. Research in the Department is characterised by conceptual rigour, empirical depth, and critical engagement with major social, political, and environmental challenges. Particular strengths include urban studies, political geography, social justice, development, and cultural geography.
Students are fully integrated into the Department’s dynamic research culture, working under the supervision of leading academics and participating in seminars, reading groups, and workshops. In Year 1, all students take part in a structured training fortnightly training programme in Term 1 on core topics such as research design, methods, and academic writing, which requires on-campus attendance.
Access to specialist facilities, professional development support, and opportunities for fieldwork are integral to the programme. We also attract significant funding, enabling students to apply for competitive studentships and undertake global research with societal and academic impact.
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The full-time PhD in Human Geography is normally completed over three years. Students register initially for the MPhil, with the expectation of upgrading to PhD status after a successful upgrade viva between 9 and 18 months after starting the programme.
During the first year, you will take part in a compulsory programme of fortnightly training seminars in Term 1 delivered by research-active faculty in the department. These sessions are designed to introduce you to doctoral research at UCL, provide guidance for your upgrade, and foster connections within the research student community.
To upgrade to PhD (expected at 12 months), you will submit a piece of written work—usually a sample chapter and a plan for the remaining thesis—and present it to a panel comprising your subsidiary supervisor and an independent assessor. You are also expected to give a departmental presentation, maintain a research log, and create a webpage showcasing your research.
After completing your approved registration period (usually three years of full-time fees), most students enter the Completing Research Status (CRS) phase to complete and submit their thesis. CRS entry may require approval from any external funding body you are associated with.
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The part-time PhD in Human Geography normally takes five years to complete. Students initially register for the MPhil, with the aim of transferring to PhD status during their second or third year following a successful upgrade.
In your first year, you will begin planning the structure of your doctoral research and participate in departmental induction and training activities designed to support your academic development.
To progress to PhD registration, you must submit a piece of written work—usually a sample chapter and an overall thesis plan—and present it to an upgrade panel, which includes your subsidiary supervisor and an independent academic assessor. This is expected between 15-30 months after initial registration. You are also required to give a presentation in the Department, update your student research log, and publish a personal research page on the Geography website.
You will continue to work closely with your supervisors in the following years. If you are not ready to submit at the end of your fifth year, you may be eligible for a further two years in Completing Research Status (CRS), during which you can continue writing your thesis with access to UCL facilities and without paying fees.
Accessibility
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £6,400 | £3,200 |
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £31,300 | £15,650 |
Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Additional costs
There are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course. Optional expenses may arise depending on your research project, such as travel for fieldwork, conference attendance, or specialist training. Support for these activities is often available through Departmental funds, scholarships, or research grants.
The Department provides various funding opportunities to support research-related costs, including travel, fieldwork, and conference participation. Students are encouraged to apply for internal UCL funds and explore external schemes such as research council support. Supervisors and Departmental staff can offer guidance on identifying and applying for suitable sources of funding
For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.
Funding your studies
UCL Geography research students in Human Geography are funded through a range of sources. In recent years, students have secured support from UK Research Councils, UCL Research Excellence Scholarships, UCL Research Opportunity Scholarships and international schemes such as Commonwealth Scholarships. Others self-fund their studies or receive support through employer-linked or project-based funding.
For any students wishing to self-fund their study, we ask for a forecast of costs to be prepared for discussion with your prospective supervisor. The forecast must include fees (overseas or home, depending on your fee status), living and accommodation costs, visa / NHS surcharge costs and any additional costs relating to your specific fieldwork, travel or research costs. Please estimate this for the full duration of your PhD (three years full time plus up to a year of Completing Research Status.
Funding opportunities vary annually and may include full scholarships as well as studentships connected to particular research themes or supervisors. Applicants are encouraged to consult our Fees and Funding page for the latest information on available funding, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
In addition to programme-specific awards, UCL offers a wide range of financial support options for prospective and current students. This includes university-wide scholarships, doctoral training partnerships, and resources provided by the UCL Doctoral School.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
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UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (ROS)
Deadline: Deadline: NOW CLOSED FOR 2025/26Value: UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years)Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial needEligibility: UKWolfson Postgraduate Scholarships - SHS
Deadline: 31 January 2025Value: Full tuition fees plus £28,840 stipend for full time study ('pro rata' for part-time students) (3 years)Criteria Based on academic meritEligibility: UK, EU, Overseas
Next steps
The Department of Geography favours a start date at the beginning of the Postgraduate Research academic year 1 October, but non-standard start times are considered on 1 February and 1 May where this can be justified. Starting with the cohort on 1 October enables you to complete the First-Year training during your first term and build a strong community with your peers as you then progress through the Research Degree at the same time. If you plan to begin your studies outside this period, please contact the Geography Postgraduate Research team before applying.
Deadlines and start dates are often linked to funding arrangements, so we recommend checking with the Department if this applies to your application.
While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, we strongly advise submitting your application by the end of May if you wish to start on 1 October. This ensures time for all admissions processes to be completed, particularly for international applicants who may require a visa. Applications submitted after this date may be deferred to the next entry point if arrival in time for the academic year cannot be guaranteed. Applications that are submitted without a named supervisor who has agreed to review your application when it is submitted, may not be processed further. Such applications will be held in the system awaiting further follow up for you regarding a supervisor and potentially rejected depending on the number of applications we receive. Part of the Department’s application assessment process is to ensure you fully research the Department, the staff and research areas. When embarking on a Research degree it is vital that you demonstrate your own research initiative to find your supervisor.
Please consult the application guidance and follow the steps to identify a suitable supervisor on our Postgraduate Research pages before applying.
Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.
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