Within the Department of Natural and Social Sciences, the geography and environment team have research supervisory expertise in four main areas:
Flood science, community development, perception/representation, and policy/governance are promoted through the Centre for the Study of Floods and Communities. Funded through the ESRC, AHRC and NERC, current research projects are focused on sustainable flood risk management, innovative strategies for promoting community resilience, science communication, and flood education. The water science research area has expertise in the links between hydrology, ecohydrology and geomorphology in establishing river catchment and habitat sensitivity over different timescales to the impact of climate, human activity or extreme floods. For example, we are undertaking current research in historic flood patterns, modelling impacts of climate change on upland sediment budgets and river channel morphology, and LiDAR applications in understanding river system dynamics. In collaboration with the Environment Agency, we are also undertaking applied research funded by the SITA Trust, evaluating the impact of diffuse pollution from agriculture on the habitat quality of water courses.
Climate and environmental change research is promoted through the Centre for Environmental Change and Quaternary Research (CECQR). Drawing on international collaborations, we work on geochronology, climate change, environmental change and human impacts, covering a range of different timescales—from the mid-Pleistocene to late Holocene. Specialisms within CECQR include fluvial, lacustrine, loess, and mire environments. We carry out environmental reconstruction using a variety of techniques including luminescence dating, tephrochronology, pollen analysis, diatom analysis, dendrochronology and elemental analysis. Recent projects have been supported by funding received from the European Commission (TIMECHS and ACCROTELM), the Natural Environment Research Council, the Faroes Fund, and sponsorship. Our research activities in environmental reconstruction are supported by our Cheltenham Geochronological Laboratories and our Environmental Geochemistry laboratories. Our research into past environmental change can provide the scientific base to inform effective environmental policy and management. For example, recent research contracts have been from Countryside Council for Wales and from Natural England, concerned with assessing recent human impact on blanket bogs and on moorland.
Urban and rural issues in developing world contexts, with particular experience in urban and peri urban agriculture, agricultural marketing, urban management and the impacts of technology (particularly computing and mobile phones) on these issues, cultural geography of urban places and the geographies of organised crime.
Effective teaching, learning and education among different stakeholders (including students, communities, local authorities), whether in flood education, engagement around climate change, environmentally sensitive farming or other issues. Two of the geography research team are National Teaching Fellows and experienced pedagogic researchers. Key areas of interest include Education for Sustainable Development, university-community engagement, e-learning and postgraduate learning.
These areas of research provide a stimulating environment for postgraduate study, and research students join a dynamic interdisciplinary research community.
For all higher degrees by research (i.e., MRes, MA or MSc by research, MPhil and PhD) you’ll be required to investigate an approved topic that will result in an independent contribution to knowledge, and you’ll also demonstrate by thesis an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen topic. The PhD also requires an original contribution to knowledge.
Training in research methods
All research students who have not already completed a relevant
masters degree, or other appropriate postgraduate research methods training, are required to complete the postgraduate certificate in research methods.
Entry requirements
- an honours degree of upper second class or above from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification, is normally required in a subject area relevant to your chosen research topic
- in exceptional circumstances, we will consider applications from non-graduates with experience of undertaking research or graduates who wish to work in a new subject area
- registration is usually for MPhil or MRes or MA/MSc by Research with the possibility of transfer to PhD
- candidates with a master’s degree in a relevant subject that contains appropriate research methods training may register for PhD directly.
Staff offering supervision
For an up to date list please click here