Environment and Sustainability PhD

University of Surrey

Why choose this programme

The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environmental and sustainability research for more than 25 years. From investigating people’s attitudes to the environment to exploring the opportunities for solar power mini-grids in sub-Saharan Africa, our researchers are taking innovative approaches for a more prosperous, equitable, safe and secure future.

Established in 1992, the Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES) has gained an outstanding international reputation for multi-disciplinary research and teaching in all aspects of sustainability. Some examples of our major contributions include: life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis; industrial ecology and the circular economy; techno-economic analysis; the water, energy and food nexus; bioenergy and biorefineries; low carbon transitions; lifestyles and behaviours; prosperity without growth; environmental and energy policy.

What you will study

It normally takes three or four years of full-time study to complete our PhD programme, or about twice as long part-time. By the end of your programme, you’ll be an independent researcher with expert knowledge on the technical, economic, social and policy aspects of environment and sustainability.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across the full breadth and depth of theoretical and applied approaches to sustainability. Many of our postgraduate researchers are working on projects with local and multi-national businesses, with policy makers, and with international bodies, such as the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the World Health Organisation and others.

You’ll be assigned at least two supervisors, who’ll guide you through your PhD. Your supervisors will meet with your regularly and monitor your progress, and they’ll make sure you have the support you need throughout your programme.