Geology
Entry requirements
Good degree in science.
Months of entry
January, April, October
Course content
The MPhil/PhD programme provides an excellent forum for students to develop and enhance their specialist, as well as more general transferable, research skills. The programme allows you to gain insight into different research methods and to acquire valuable experience both in carrying out large-scale research projects and in teaching.
An MPhil/PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of 60,000 to 100,000 words. At Birkbeck, you are initially registered on an MPhil and you upgrade to a PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two. You need to find a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck, who can offer the requisite expertise to guide and support you through your research. Find out more about undertaking a research degree at Birkbeck.
Birkbeck shares resources, facilities and expertise in earth and planetary sciences with UCL’s Department of Earth Sciences, thus offering you access to a unique, world-class research environment.
Our key research interests include:
- Clastic sedimentology
- Earthquake geology
- Environmental geochemistry
- Geochemistry
- Geochronology
- Geomorphology
- Geophysics
- Paleoenvironmental analysis
- Planetary geology
- Seismic hazards
- Tectonics
- Volcanic hazards.
Highlights
- Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- Overall, Birkbeck's research excellence was confirmed in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) with 83% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
- We are a member of University Geoscience UK, the subject association of geoscience departments, with links to the Geological Society.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Fees and funding
Flexible finance: pay your fees in monthly instalments at no extra cost. Enrol early to spread your costs and reduce your monthly payments.
The NERC London Doctoral Training Partnership offers fully funded studentships.
Birkbeck attracts funding for studentships that ensure researchers of the highest standard can pursue their research with us. Find out more about our research funding opportunities.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MPhil/PhD
- part time84 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time48 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700