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. This Geology MPhil/PhD covers topics within geology and planetary science, based in our School of Natural Sciences. As a PhD student in geology, you will become part of a rich research environment at Birkbeck. You will carry out a large-scale research project, either of your own design or developed collaboratively with a supervisor. You will work closely with your supervisory team and will develop transferable skills and receive training to acquire specialist research skills to support your project work and academic development. You will also have the opportunity to attend seminars, teach and become involved in the broader research environment. We have strong links with UCL Earth Sciences through shared research institutions and facilities, broadening the scope of our unique, world-class research environment. Our key research interests include: Astrobiology and planetary habitability Earthquake geology Geochemistry Geophysics Magmatic processes Meteoritics Paleoenvironment and paleoclimate Palaeontology and evolution of life Planetary geology Seismic and volcanic hazards Tectonics