Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
450 research degree projects
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Ocean and earth science
Polar amplification of climate change
Polar amplification where enhanced warming in polar regions outpaces global temperature change is poorly understood. Using geological evidence, climate models and theory, this project will explore why past polar amplification sometimes affects the Arctic, sometimes the Antarctic and sometimes both poles. Projections of polar amplification for future climate change will be made. -
Physics and astronomy
Does it rain on other planets?
The ability to accurately simulate weather cycles other than Earth’s water cycle is essential for understanding the climate of other planets, such as exoplanets. Our current observations of Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, make it an excellent case for validating our current 3D planetary climate models. -
Physics and astronomy
Exploring the extreme Venus climate and hot terrestrial exoplanets
Simulating the Venus climate has been a challenge for scientists for over 40 years. The planet's unique conditions offer a chance to test our computational models in extreme circumstances. It's crucial to understand the physics behind Venus's climate to help us characterize the climate of exoplanets similar to Venus. -
Geography and environmental science
Desert dune avalanche processes
This project will examine how wind-blown avalanches are controlled by sediment transport dynamics including dune size, wind speed and grain characteristics. It involves laboratory experiments and field work. Research outcomes will provide unique, cutting-edge insight into the influence of avalanche dynamics on aeolian dune migration, critical for management in deserts. -
Ocean and earth science
New players and dynamics of nitrogen fixation in the Arctic Ocean
Global warming leads to sea-ice melting in polar oceans, increasing light penetration, enhancing phytoplankton blooms and consuming nitrogen. If warming continues, it is unclear which nitrogen sources will support life in polar oceans. Combining isotopes and bioinformatics we will investigate nitrogen fixation as a new source of nutrients. -
Ocean and earth science
Keeping up with ocean change - Using robots to push the envelope in ocean carbon observing
Ocean robots (sensors and vehicles) can offer the spatial and temporal coverage required to observe ocean acidification and the rapidly changing carbon cycle. Using the latest in autonomous technologies, this project will develop, demonstrate and prove the impact of high-resolution carbon observations through a series of trials around the globe. -
Ocean and earth science
Impacts of environmental change on coastal UK habitats and implications for nature-based solutions
UK coastal habitats such as seagrasses provide critical ecosystem services for human well-being and biodiversity. This project, in collaboration with Natural England, will quantify the multiple impacts of climate change, human activities, and biological interactions on these habitats to support their protection, sustainable management, and restoration. -
Ocean and earth science
Impact of grounded icebergs on the oceanography and ecosystem of a sub-Antarctic island
This project will use numerical modelling tools to investigate the impact of grounded icebergs on the physical oceanography of the South Georgia (Southern Ocean) shelf and explore the consequences for the transport of Antarctic krill, a key prey item for local colonies of higher predators. -
Ocean and earth science
How will macroalgae sinking to reduce atmospheric CO2 impact seafloor organisms?
Climate change has focused attention onto whether atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations may be lowered by direct intervention. Sinking marine macroalgae to the sea-floor is one suggested approach to increase ocean carbon storage. But what are the consequences for the seafloor organisms when all this material is deposited? -
Geography and environmental science
Developing a novel palaeoclimate proxy from Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic
This project aims to develop a novel climate proxy from Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic to reconstruct the strength and movement of southern westerly winds, crucial for understanding climate tipping points and future projections. It involves quantifying wind-blown particles found in ice peat and assessing spatial and temporal relationships across the region.