Cambridge Earth Sciences is a world-leading research institution, renowned for pioneering discoveries at the forefront of earth, environmental and planetary science. As a postgraduate student, you’ll become part of a vibrant, supportive community and work alongside globally recognised scientists.
We warmly welcome enquiries from prospective postgraduate students with a strong academic foundation in earth sciences or related disciplines, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials science, biology, and other relevant fields. Whether you're completing your undergraduate degree or have already graduated, we encourage you to explore the study options detailed below.
Before you apply for postgraduate study, it is important that you contact a relevant member of our academic staff based on their research interests, who will be able to advise you on the application process and research projects. For more information about postgraduate study at Cambridge, please see the University's Postgraduate Admissions pages.
MASt and MPhil programmes
- MASt in Earth Sciences
- MPhil in Earth Sciences by Research Thesis (1 Year)
- MPhil in Quantitative Climate and Environmental Science
- MPhil in Planetary Sciences and Life
PhD programmes
Cambridge NERC Doctoral Landscape Awards
We offer a wide range of exciting project themes, and our researchers are ready to help you shape a project that fits your interests.
Prospective students are encouraged to identify potential supervisors and groups whose research aligns with their interests by visiting the Research Themes page of our website. Please contact our researchers directly to discuss research ideas and co‑design a bespoke project based on the interests and skills you would like to develop.
Applications usually close in early January. For the most up‑to‑date guidance, please visit the Cambridge CREATES DTP website.
Potential project themes include:
- Natural Hazards – Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, flooding, climate-related risks
- Climate Sciences – Past climate reconstruction, ocean modelling, marine conservation, carbon cycle
- Seismology – Mantle dynamics, convection, surface volcanic processes
- Planetary Science – Geochemistry, mantle and atmosphere evolution, ocean development
- Igneous Petrology – Volcanology, magmatic systems, mantle processes, Icelandic volcanism
- Critical Metals – Rare earth element enrichment, lithium granites, porphyry copper deposits
- Mineralogy – Rock and mineral magnetism, deforming rock mechanics, biomineralization
- Geochemistry – Crust-to-core evolution, biogeochemical cycles, mantle heterogeneity
- Palaeontology – Evolutionary paleobiology and palaeoecology linked to environmental change
Other Doctoral Programmes:
We also offer PhD opportunities through the following cross-departmental doctoral training programmes:
- Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe (LCLU)
- AI for the study of Environmental Risks (AI4ER) UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training.
- Nuclear Energy Futures Centre for Doctoral Training (NEF CDT).
Oversees Applicants
Overseas students typically need to secure their own funding (~£50k/year for a PhD in Earth Sciences), but Cambridge University offers extensive guidance and resources.
Visit the Postgraduate Admissions – Funding pages for deadlines, typical funding sources, and to use the Funding Search tool. Key scholarships include:
- Cambridge Trust Scholarships: Highly competitive, full-cost awards open to all nationalities. Apply by early December.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Highly competitive, full-cost awards for non-UK students wishing to study at Cambridge. Deadlines vary (mid-October for US applicants; early January for others). Applicants should demonstrate leadership and a commitment to improving lives.
The University provides detailed guidance on immigration, qualifications, and English language requirements via the Postgraduate Admissions – International pages.
The Cambridge International Students site offers practical advice on applying, studying, and living in Cambridge.
How to Apply
To make a formal application for a PhD studentship, please go to the University's Applicant Portal. When you complete the on-line application, you will need to indicate a college choice—it may help to discuss this choice with your prospective supervisor before submitting your application.
Most PhD applications close in early January, but please check deadlines with your prospective supervisor and the training programme in question.