PhD Environmental Sciences

Climate change

Climate change impacts many aspects of our environment, both natural and managed ecosystems.

At Nottingham we carry out research to understand how climate has varied over time, what has caused this variation, and how it has impacted on plants and animals, shaping evolution. In this way, we use the past to understand how climate change will impact the natural world and the agro-ecosystems upon which we rely.

We also study how climate change impacts ecosystems today. This ranges from melting permafrost in the Arctic, to UK agricultural systems and warming forests in the Tropics. As part of this work, we are demonstrating the importance for natural ecosystems as they offer important climate mitigation tools and improve the resilience to climate change.

Ecology

Our research spans a wide range of topics in applied ecology, from microbes to insects to elephants. We also contribute to the theoretical and empirical study of natural ecosystems. In most cases our research connects to anthropogenic issues related to agriculture, pollution and environmental change.

Read about some of our research in the School of Biosciences: Good for cows, good for the planet: reducing dairy's carbon footprint

A PhD is an independent in-depth research project. You will be able to develop additional skills through training programmes to help you complete your PhD. See the support section for more details.

In each year you will have a regular meetings with your supervisor and an annual review.

An MPhil is a shorter research degree. You will do a research project over one to two years. You'll have a supervisor to support you. An MPhil is assessed by a research thesis.

An MRes is a one-year course that includes an original independent research project worth 160 credits.

You’ll also study 20 credits of taught modules. You can choose from a selection of masters-level modules and transferable skills training.

The school believes that formal training and guidance are critical components of the postgraduate experience and have developed specific and generic training which are available for all postgraduates.

Project-related training is provided by the supervisors and other staff within the school. You will have frequent contact with your supervisor, often on a weekly or even daily basis, and there is a formal requirement for at least 10 recorded meetings per year.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postdoctoral research fellows.