PhD in Human Geography
University of Reading
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

location-pin
Location

University of Reading

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Reading

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Reading

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

5 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

As a PhD student in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at Reading, you will be part of a vibrant research community.We offer PhD programmes in the following areas:environmental sciencegeographyhuman geographysoil science.Our research spans a broad range of topics at the interface between humans and the environment.Geographies of justice, care and responsibility: We focus on inequalities, participatory approaches, politics and governance in diverse fields. These include ...Read more

As a PhD student in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at Reading, you will be part of a vibrant research community.

We offer PhD programmes in the following areas:

  • environmental science
  • geography
  • human geography
  • soil science.

Our research spans a broad range of topics at the interface between humans and the environment.

Geographies of justice, care and responsibility: We focus on inequalities, participatory approaches, politics and governance in diverse fields. These include environmental change, food networks, gender and caring relations, and citizen science at local–global spatial scales.

Global development, environment and sustainability: We critically examine global flows of ideas and resources looking at the interactions between poverty, population, livelihood development, governance and sustainability of natural resources.

Past climate and environmental change: We use a range of paleo-data and modelling approaches to understand past human–environment–climate relationships at regional to global scales, over millennial to glacial-interglacial time frames.

Environmental science

We conduct in-depth and cross-disciplinary environmental science to address global challenges. We have a strong focus on soil, water and air, all in relation to ecosystem services, sustainable production and natural hazards, and we work at scales ranging from molecular to Earth system.

Particular research focuses are:

  • bio-geochemistry, pollution and soil science
  • hydrometeorology and hydrology, including water quality and global-scale forecasting
  • natural hazards (such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, fires, and landslides)
  • remote sensing, and land surface process and ocean bio-geochemical modelling.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
53/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
35th
What students say
O
Orlaith
27 Jan 23

The university campus has tons of green space and nice walks. The content in the degree is in depth and the professors are thorough. During the induction period, there wasn’t a..Read more

S
Sophie
27 Jan 23

The campus is amazing, you have everything you need (coop, cafes, a nightclub, a Korean shop, many places to eat and drink, and multiple bars). A Thursday quiz night at the..Read more

Entry requirements

To be accepted onto a research degree programme, you will need to have obtained a strong merit grade (equivalent to 65% or above on a UK programme for both the coursework and the dissertation) on a master's degree in a relevant field, but applicants with other qualifications may be accepted in certain circumstances.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£20,350 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£20,350 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Human Geography reviews

Human Geography
Human Geography
O
Orlaith
27 Jan 23
Geography (Human and Physical) with Professional Experience BSc (Hons)
The university campus has tons of green space and nice walks. The content in the degree is in depth and the professors are thorough. During the induction period, there wasn’t a...
Read more
S
Sophie
27 Jan 23
Geography (Human and Physical) with Professional Experience BSc (Hons)
The campus is amazing, you have everything you need (coop, cafes, a nightclub, a Korean shop, many places to eat and drink, and multiple bars). A Thursday quiz night at the...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Human Geography students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 7 reviews
5 star
43%
4 stars
57%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,792 reviews
5 star
35%
4 stars
55%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Reading
Whiteknights House PO Box 217 Reading Wokingham RG6 6AH United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Custom House  0.7 miles away

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate