Understanding the earth's climate and how it is changing can help us plan for the future and react to global challenges facing the world. Through independent research, supervisory meetings, and departmental seminars, this research programme provides the opportunity to conduct an in-depth research project in an area of physical geography, and aims to build key skills for positions in research, spatial planning, and environmental consultancy and management.

The Department of Geography offers the opportunity to work at doctoral level alongside academics whose research has been internationally recognised. Researchers in the Department include Professor Mark Macklin, whose expertise lies in river systems, global environmental change, and in catchment hazard and pollution issues, Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology, Edward Hanna.

Students can benefit from a supportive academic community, where ideas and experiences are shared with the aim of advancing knowledge.

How You Study

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. In addition, students are encouraged to attend School seminar and guest speaker events, and engage in a range of research and skills training opportunities in support of their studies.

Students will meet with their academic supervisor, however the regularity of this will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of their programme.

Lincoln's physical geographers are working on projects exploring geoarchaeology and environmental history; quaternary environmental change; ecosystem and human health; floods, droughts and climate change; GIS and remote sensing; glaciology and climatology; coastal and marine environments; and large river systems and deltas.

How You Are Assessed

Students will be required to demonstrate adequate and appropriate progress on an annual basis. Final assessment is by an oral examination (viva voce) of a research thesis. Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.

Career Opportunities

Geography provides a broad range of career opportunities, including roles in the environmental and health sectors, the geographical information systems (GIS) industry, management and financial services, social and environmental consultancy, and teaching.