Research in polar studies embraces both the natural sciences and social sciences and humanities. The PhD in Polar Studies is a full-time three-year research degree (or five years part-time), examined by a thesis. A successful thesis will represent "a substantial contribution to knowledge" and will also represent a realistic amount of work for three years' full-time study (or equivalent part-time). Students are based in the Scott Polar Research Institute, which is a sub-department of the Department of Geography.

In the first year, students attend a comprehensive training programme based around lectures, seminars and workshops, dealing with fundamental ideas in geography, the design of research projects, and empirical methods and techniques. The University of Cambridge also offers a wide range of training courses for personal and professional development. There is no set course material.