School of Geographical & Earth Sciences

Postgraduate research opportunities

Our Geology and Environmental Sciences PhD programmes are suitable for students wishing to pursue a PhD which aligns to one of our Earth Systems Research Group themes. Often staff work across themes and are happy for you to get in contact with them to discuss your proposed research. Staff contact details are contained within each of the theme pages.  

Our Human Geography PhD programme is suitable for students wishing to pursue a PhD which aligns to one of our Human Geography Research Group themes.

PhD opportunity: Ecne Scholarship 2026

The School of Geographical & Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow invites applications for one Ecne PhD Scholarship to fund both research and teaching activities. This Scholarship is intended to support research students who wish to undertake a part-time PhD whilst contributing to the School’s teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

 
The duration of the Scholarship is 5 years. It is expected that the successful applicant will work on their PhD research for approximately two thirds of their time, whilst engaging in teaching activities (to include preparation time, contact time and marking) for the remaining one third of their time. 

The Scholarship will include: 

  • an annual remuneration package of at least £21,805 for living expenses; 
  • tuition fees at the home level. Note this scholarship is not able to fund international tuition fees. 

The Scholarship is open to all areas of Earth Systems Science research that is being actively pursued by members of academic staff in the School. For more information about the School’s research, see https://www.gla.systa-s.com/schools/ges/research/earthsystemsresearch/. To find a supervisor in a given area of interest, see https://www.gla.systa-s.com/schools/ges/staff/. 

 
Regarding teaching, each successful applicant will be expected to be involved in tutoring, leading practical classes and field class assistance at the undergraduate level throughout the academic session. Lecturing opportunities may also be available in public outreach events depending on prior experience. For more information about our undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, see https://www.gla.systa-s.com/schools/ges/undergraduate/ and https://www.gla.systa-s.com/schools/ges/postgraduate/. 

 
It is expected that this position should be taken up by 1st October 2026. 

 
To apply, you should follow the procedure outlined at https://www.gla.systa-s.com/postgraduate/howtoapplyforapostgraduateresearchdegree/. Candidates will be interviewed for this position and must include a teaching statement indicating why they wish to teach, why they are suitable for this opportunity, and previous teaching experience if applicable. In the online application system, you should enter “Ecne Scholarship” in the box that requests information about funding arrangements. 

 
The closing date for applications is 23rd April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will have an interview focusing on research and teaching. 

How to apply: Apply online, you must select “Univ of Glasgow Scholarship” as the funding source when submitting your application in order to be considered for a scholarship. 
If you have any questions regarding the Ecne Scholarship, please email Leenah.Khan@gla.systa-s.com 

 

PhD opportunity: College Scholarship (Geographical & Earth Sciences) 2026

We offer one College PhD Scholarship to begin October 1 2026. The scholarship will be awarded to a student of outstanding ability and academic potential seeking to undertake a PhD on a topic that complements our current research activities.

The award provides for UK tuition costs and an annual stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£21,805) over the course of three and a half years. Plus the provision of up to £1000 per annum in research monies.

The scholarship provides a tuition fee waiver for UK or home applicants only.

Competition Process

We invite applicants to apply by submitting:

  1. A Research Proposal of maximum 2000 words (in Word, not PDF) comprising title, proposed supervisors, introduction to the project, aims and objectives, research and policy context (if relevant) and potential impact (if relevant), research methodology, provisional schedule, and bibliography. Proposals that are interdisciplinary are especially welcome.
  2. A maximum two-page CV;
  3. Applicant statement, maximum 500 words, on how your qualifications, skills, attributes and experience fit with the requirements of the proposed research project. You may include reference to relevant education, training, work/voluntary experience and personal interests;
  4. Degree transcripts in English (Undergraduate and Masters, if relevant).

The research proposal must be your own work, but your proposed supervisor may guide and advise you on developing and improving the proposal.

Please email these documents to Leenah Khan (Leenah.khan@glasgow) by 5pm Glasgow time Friday 17th April 2026 using the subject ‘College Scholarship application’. Applications after this time/date will not be considered.

Applicants should also ask one referee to send a reference letter in support of their application to Leenah.khan@gla.systa-s.com by Friday 17th April 2026, clearly stating the name of the applicant and ‘College Scholarship application’ in the email subject line.

Selection Process

  • Stage 1. After the application deadline the applications will be checked to ensure all requested information has been provided. All eligible applications will then move forward to Stage 2.
  • Stage 2. An assessment panel with no conflict of interest will assess all eligible applications to select a shortlist for interview. Interviews will take place on Friday 1st May
  • Stage 3. Post interview the preferred candidate will be asked to undertake a formal application to the University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Graduate School and will be proposed for approval by the College so that a formal offer can be made.

Due to the expected volume of applicants, it will not be possible to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted.

James McCune Smith PhD Scholarships

The James McCune Smith Scholarships fund Black UK students to undertake PhD research at the University. They provide an enhanced experience through external mentors, placements, leadership training, community-building activities and networking opportunities. The Scholarships are named after James McCune Smith, who graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837 as the first African American to receive a medical degree. 

DiveIn (EPSRC CDT in Diversity-Led, Mission-Driven Research)

DiveIn prioritises diversity, creating an inclusive space for varied talents to produce transformative interdisciplinary research in Net Zero, AI and Big Data, Technology Touching Life, Future Telecoms, Quantum Technologies and more.