International postgraduate students

We have a thriving community of graduate students from the UK and overseas. If you are an international student considering campus-based graduate courses in Geology, find out more about our research degrees and how to apply.

Research degrees (PhD)

A UK PhD usually comprises 3 years of full-time study, followed by some months ‘writing up’ on reduced fees before the thesis is submitted. The 3 years are entirely dedicated to research and writing of a thesis; there is no formal taught component (though there is training in research techniques, other relevant skills, and careers advice).

The supervisor team usually comprises of a principle supervisor (the expert) and a second supervisor, and often there are external supervisors. You will be assigned an independent panel of two academic staff members that will meet with you at the end of your first year to formally assess your progress. The thesis is normally examined within 3 months of being received by a panel comprising one internal examiner (usually an independent staff member from the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment), and one external examiner (normally from another UK University or Research Institute).

Applicants for a PhD should normally have a good Master of Science degree in a relevant field or a very good first degree (equivalent to a First Class or Upper Second Class Bachelor of Science Degree).

Note on English language ability for non-native speakers

Applicants whose first language is NOT English, and who have NOT lived in a country where the first language is English for at least 3 years immediately prior to the commencement of the course, should normally include in their qualifications one of the following:

• English Language at GCE Ordinary Level or Cambridge 1119 or GCSE or IGCSE, at grades A to C
• British Council IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

Find full details on English language entry requirements.

Contacts

We welcome informal contacts from students considering applying to us for campus-based study. Please contact pgrgeol@le.ac.uk.