| Qualifications |
Duration |
Start dates |
Application period |
PhD
(MPhil also available) |
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years |
February and October |
January to April |
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available) |
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years |
Start dates
February and October |
Application period
January to April |
Earth system modelling and integrated assessment modelling are about investigating the future of the Earth system and the response to ongoing climate change. Ultimately a key aim is testing the effectiveness of environment policies in producing desirable outcomes for society. At the OU we use a range of Earth system models of intermediate complexity to study past and future change in the Earth system and related socio-economic developments.
We are particularly interested in the quantification of uncertainty, and the long-timescale dynamics of the Earth system, including the interactions between environment and biodiversity. We also work on the development of human civilisation and the socio-economic dynamics of climate change mitigation policy. The group regularly has studies of past and future change published in Nature and Science journals.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
Potential research projects
We encourage enquiries from prospective students on all aspects of Earth system modelling linked to the expertise of the potential supervisors.
Current/recent research projects
- Transient climate-carbon cycle simulations of the Last Interglacial
- The use of statistical emulators in climate modelling
- Investigations into the glacial-interglacial change in atmospheric CO2
- Statistical emulation for environmental sustainability analysis
- Sustainable infrastructures for inclusivity in south-south cooperation
- Understanding uncertainty in the weak underbelly of Antarctica
- The oceanographic impact of the Weddell Sea Polynya.
Potential supervisors
Fees and funding
| UK fee |
International fee |
| Full time: £4,786 per year |
Full time: £15,698 per year |
| Part time: £2,393 per year |
Part time: £7,849 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.
Links