Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 48 months
- Part-time: 84 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2026 — Apply anytime.
- Starting January 2027 — Apply anytime.
- Starting April 2027 — Apply anytime.
If you wish to apply for funding, you will need to apply by certain deadlines. Consult the websites of relevant bodies for details.
Language
English
TOEFL iBT: 94
Delivered
On Campus, Online
Campus Location
London, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Geography, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Community Development
Overview
The Geography, Environment and Development Studies PhD at Birkbeck, University of London aims to train you to conduct research of the highest academic standard and to make an original contribution to the subject through your research.
Highlights
- Our students come from a range of geographic and professional backgrounds, many (but not all) having research interests related to their employment. There are now around 15 research students currently undertaking a PhD or MPhil, some of which are linked to staff research projects, which means students benefit from the research infrastructure built up by our major programmes in geography.
- We provide excellent support for students and will do our best to help you succeed at your research. Most part-time research students only come to the College for occasional meetings with their academic supervisors or for research seminars, and those who require computing or physical laboratory equipment can also come in the evenings or at weekends.
- We have three computing/GIS laboratories running a wide range of software on IBM and Macintosh PCs and Unix workstations. We are also well provided with fieldwork equipment and have a large laboratory equipped with flumes and wind tunnels for process studies.
- As well as having access to Birkbeck Library, including our electronic library, you will also be able to use resources at other libraries in the local area and at the Royal Geographical Society.
Programme Structure
Research areas include:
- Community, Youth and Voluntary Sector Studies
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Geographical Information Science
- International Childhood Studies
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 94
Other requirements
Entry requirements:
- Good first degree in a relevant discipline.
You will have to find a potential supervisor for your PhD research, and prepare a research proposal.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: Non-residents — 29,276 AUD / year (≈ 15,570 GBP / year)
- Domestic: Citizens or residents — 9,413 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Living costs
London, United Kingdom
2,138-4,056 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Geography, Environment and Development Studies.
- Commonwealth Scholarship — Birkbeck, University of London (London, United Kingdom), Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — U.S. government, Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — ServiceScape, Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — ACES Education Fund, Grant: 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation, Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Junhua Li, Grant: 19000 GBP, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Boustany Foundation, Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 28 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- Royal Geographical Society - Dudley Stamp Memorial Award in UK — Royal Geographical Society, Grant: 500 GBP, Deadline: 23 Nov 2026
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Amber Scholar, Grant: 6000 USD, Deadline: 31 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — IvyPanda, Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Voice Talent Online, Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Salvado Law, Grant: 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Anonymous Hope Fund, Grant: 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Grant: 22500 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Leopold Figl Foundation, Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — IELTS from 6 to 9, Grant: 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme, Grant: 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027