PhD Physical Geography - Hazards and Surface Change
Durham University
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Main Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

APR-26

Duration

3 Years

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Geography & Environmental Science
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Course info

The principal aim of the Hazards and Surface Change cluster is to advance holistic approaches to understanding hazards as the outcome of recurrent or chronic physical processes that occur within specific societal settings, rather than as one-off events. In particular, we are focused on three interrelated challenges:Understanding the physical mechanisms of mass movements, coupling novel laboratory and field-based approaches with numerical modelling, to allow assessment of slope stability at ...Read more

The principal aim of the Hazards and Surface Change cluster is to advance holistic approaches to understanding hazards as the outcome of recurrent or chronic physical processes that occur within specific societal settings, rather than as one-off events. In particular, we are focused on three interrelated challenges:Understanding the physical mechanisms of mass movements, coupling novel laboratory and field-based approaches with numerical modelling, to allow assessment of slope stability at societally-relevant scales.Quantitative estimation of the long-term and large-scale effects of mass movements on the sediment and terrestrial carbon cycles, including systematic assessment of how debris flows and earthquake-triggered landslides mobilise and transport sediment and organic carbon in montane environments.Investigation of how scientific understanding of hazards - particularly around earthquakes, mass movements, and sea-level change - is used in decision-making and management processes - in particular, how ‘expert’ and local knowledge of hazards and surface change can coexist and inform both policy and practice.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
2nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
5th

Entry requirements

youll usually need at least a 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent. The process to apply to the Durham Geography Doctoral Programme involves three stages:The first stage is to secure the agreement by at least one member of academic staff to supervise your doctoral research. To do this, you will need to define your research interests so you can identify potential academic staff working in the appropriate field to contact and open discussions around your topic. Your supervisor will then support you in refining your application to the doctoral programme and to any sources of funding. Explore our areas of research expertise and our staff pages through the link on the right.The second stage is to apply to the Durham Geography Doctoral Programme. The application is made online. You will need to submit details and evidence of your academic qualifications to date, a research proposal and, if appropriate, certification of a recognised English language qualification. Details on how to apply and the English language requirements can be accessed through the link on the right.The third stage is to apply for funding to support your studies. We review applications to the programme on academic merits only and, as such, the second stage is completely independent of third. You do, however, have to be formally accepted onto the programme to be eligible to enter the various funding schemes managed by Durham University. This is equally true for many other funding schemes. Information on the funding schemes managed by Durham can be accessed through the link in the menu on the right

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£5,006 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)

£5,006 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 Channel Islands

£25,500 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.

£25,500 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.

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Uni info

Durham University
Stockton Road Durham County Durham DH1 3LE United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Durham  0.5 miles away
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