Mountain Dynamics

We try to unravel how, when and how quickly the mountain belts formed, the tectonic processes and mechanisms in operation during their uplift, and how their growth fed back into the solid Earth-surface processes-climate system. We achieve this through a combination of geochronology, structural geology, geochemical studies and metamorphic/igneous petrology.

Programme Structure

Current/recent research projects:

• The effect of crustal melting on the structural and geodynamic evolution of mountain belts
• The evolution of major tectonic structures in mountain building processes
• The role of major structures in driving exhumation during mountain building
• Determining the evolving balance between buoyancy, tectonics and surface processes during plate collisions
• The geochemistry of magmatism during and following plate collision

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

GPA: Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL iBT: 87

General requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and prior research experience is preferred. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Key information

Duration

• Full-time: 36 months (3–4 years)
• Part-time: 72 months (6–8 years)

Start dates & application deadlines

• Starting October 2027 — Apply before Apr 2027
• Starting February 2028 — Apply before Apr 2027

Language

English. TOEFL iBT: 87

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Earth Sciences

Tuition Fees

International

Applies to non-residents: 30,874 AUD / year (≈ 16,420 GBP / year)

Domestic

Applies to citizens or residents: 9,413 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)

Living costs

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

1,594–2,529 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.