Physical Geography
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD, MPhil | On-Campus | Full-time, Part-time | 2 - 6 years | October, January, April, July | £5006 per year | £21950 per year |
About Physical Geography, PhD - at Swansea University
You will undertake an individual physical geography research project over two years (MPhil) or three years (PhD), supported by our widely respected academic staff:
- Predicting and mitigating water pollution risk from wildfire ash – Professor Stefan Doerr is a leading authority on wildfire impact.
- Predicting ice rifts - Professor Adrian Luckman received international press coverage for his research on the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica and his predictions of its calving.
- Professor Siwan Davies’ work focuses on establishing why climate has changed dramatically and abruptly in the past 100,000 years. Siwan recently made a television documentary on the effects of present climate change in Uganda, Costa Rica and California.
- Professor Tavi Murray, the first woman to be awarded the Polar Medal by HM queen for outstanding service to polar research.
- Professor Peter North who received global media coverage for his work with NASA on the Amazon and Climate Change.
Our current research groups include:
- Environmental Dynamics
- Glaciology
- Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation
- Migration, Boundaries and Identity
- Social Theory and Urban Space
In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 95% of Geography research at Swansea was judged to be of international quality, and 60% was regarded as world-leading or internationally excellent.
We are ranked:
- Top 100 in the World (Shanghai Ranking Subject Rankings 2024)
- 90% of our research outputs have been recognised as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- 100% of the environment was rated as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- Top 201-250 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Entry requirements
Contact Swansea University to find course entry requirements.
Why study at Swansea University
There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.
- Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
- Ranked within the Top 300 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Voted 6th safest city in England and Wales (Complete University Guide 2024)
- UK Top 10 of the People and Planet University League (Times Good University Guide 2025)
Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.
Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.