Key information
- Duration:
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting September 2026. Apply anytime.
- Language: English
- English requirements: TOEFL iBT 87 or IELTS 6.5
- Delivered: On Campus
- Campus Location: York, United Kingdom
- Disciplines: Environmental Economics & Policy, Environmental Sciences, Political Science
Overview
Within the Environment and Politics PhD programme from University of York, students are jointly supervised by a member of the Department of Environment and Geography and the Department of Politics. Both Departments have strong research cultures: Environment has a graduate research school of around 40 students and Politics has around 50 research students.
Former student Jean-Paul Skeete undertook research to determine what effect the motorsports industry is having on the transition to low-carbon technologies in the private car market.
Programme Structure
Previous students have worked on a wide range of topics including:
- Discursive democracy and the use of fire in forestry management in Queensland
- The effectiveness of international environmental regimes: the Mediterranean Action Plan
- Power and common property resources in community forestry in Mexico
- Institutions in natural resource management: Ecological and Socio-economic Implications for the Management of Valuable Tree Species in Agroforestry Parklands
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 87
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
- Admission to the PhD programme is normally based on a good performance at undergraduate level (usually a 2.1 or a First) and a Masters degree with a minimum 60% award mark; at least one of these will be in a social science-related subject. In exceptional cases, the department may consider students from non-social science backgrounds, where the student can clearly demonstrate equivalent experience and knowledge and this is supported by academic references.
- Before being admitted to the programme all students will be interviewed. An interview is offered when the Director of Postgraduate Research and your potential supervisor have reviewed your application and are satisfied that you meet the minimal entry requirements.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 48,285 AUD / year (≈ 25,350 GBP / year)
- Domestic: 9,977 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Living Costs
York, United Kingdom: 1,230-2,141 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.