Environment, Geography and Geoscience Research
The School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences explores a wide range of research focused on our planet's past, present, and future – from the evolution of the Earth and life, to solving present environmental challenges, and creating a sustainable world for the future.
Our work is at the interfaces of science, policy, industry, and society, and involves global partnerships. We're passionate about providing an inclusive, supportive and inspiring environment for our staff, students, and visitors to pursue this research.
In our submission to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF 2021), the majority of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour: 82% for Unit of Assessment (UoA) 7 and 53 % for UoA14. The impact of our research was rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance. Our impact case studies showed societal benefits in areas such as water quality monitoring, management of the Chernobyl exclusion zone and improving the wellbeing of international women migrants and their families in Indonesia.
Our research regularly receives funding from many leading organizations, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Royal Society, Innovate UK, the British Council and charitable trusts.
Interested in a PhD in Environmental, Geography and Geosciences?
Explore our Earth and Environmental Sciences postgraduate research degrees - including PhDs and MPhils.
Explore our areas of expertise
Find out more about our three interconnected areas of research expertise, including our projects, publications and partnerships.
Learning from the Earth's past
Explore our research in crustal evolution, tectonics, palaeontology, environmental change, and applied geoscience
Solving present societal and environmental challenges
Explore our research in environmental science, physical geography, engineering geology and natural and anthropogenic hazards.
Creating a sustainable and resilient world for the future
Explore our research in sustainable development, disaster management, human geography and institutional governance.