Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Ecology

Award Award	Duration Duration	Start dates Start dates	Application Application
PhD (MPhil also available) PhD (MPhil also available)	Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years	February and October February and October	January to April January to April

Our research focuses on Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems and biosphere-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases. Studies undertaken range from investigations of the smallest microbial unit to whole catchment ecosystems and across a wide range of latitudes, with a developing focus on polar ecosystems.

Our research considers element cycles, water balances and energy budgets in response to change, whether caused by natural catastrophe through volcanic eruptions or fire, drought or through human impact.

There is a strong focus on understanding carbon and nutrient dynamics within wetland ecosystems and ecophysiological responses of forests to change. A key approach undertaken in this area is the application of experimental simulations of individual drivers of global change in order to understand likely ecosystem responses, while providing a mechanistic understanding of any changes to key underlying processes and microbial communities.

Our research has taken place across the globe, including northern peatlands, European grasslands, South African heaths, and in the polar regions.

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) or an appropriate undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

We encourage enquiries from prospective students on any aspect of biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology and environmental science.

UK fee UK fee	International fee International fee
Full-time: £5,006 per year Full-time: £5,006 per year	Full-time: £16,420 per year Full-time: £16,420 per year
Part-time: £2,503 per year Part-time: £2,503 per year	Part-time: £8,210 per year Part-time: £8,210 per year

Some of our research students are funded via the Central England NERC Training Alliance; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

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