PhD Physical Geography

For over 25 years, the University of Brighton has taken a leading role in physical geography research and its application.

From investigating the ways in which the world’s largest rivers shape their landscapes, to examining the impacts of iceberg scour on the sea-bed, our physical geography staff and PhD students are at the leading edge of process and landform analysis and modelling. We are also working to unravel evidence of past environmental change, from analyses of climate discourses in historical documents, to research at the interface of geomorphology and archaeology.

The majority of our work has real-world application. Data generated by researchers in our Centre for Aquatic Environments, Applied Geosciences and Past Human and Environment Dynamics research and enterprise groups is being used, for example, in the characterisation of hydrocarbon reservoirs, in estuarine management, in the engineering of managed retreat sites, and to extend rainfall and tropical cyclone records in India and southern Africa.

From investigating the ways in which the world’s largest rivers shape their landscapes, to examining the impacts of iceberg scour on the sea-bed, our physical geography staff and PhD students are at the leading edge of process and landform analysis and modelling. We are also working to unravel evidence of past environmental change, from analyses of climate discourses in historical documents, to research at the interface of geomorphology and archaeology.

Our physical geography PhD students have gone on to a variety of different roles following the successful completion of their research. These include academic posts as lecturers and postdoctoral research assistants at Brighton and elsewhere, plus research roles in, for example, the water industry. Many have gone on to management positions in related areas such as environmental management.