Planning PhD / MPhil
You will be joining a team that has close links with schools across Europe, the Americas and Pacific Asia. There is a wide range of research topics that reflects the diverse expertise of academic staff in the School.
Why study with us?
1909
we became the world’s first planning school.
Overview
As the world’s first planning school, established 1909, Civic Design offers you quality professional education within a setting renowned for its innovative, influential research and scholarship.
There is a wide range of research topics that reflects the diverse expertise of academic staff in the School. To find out more about the research topics available, and the ongoing research studentships visit our Postgraduate Research page.
We aim to produce researchers with strong, transferable research skills, who are internationally recognised in their own fields and understand current environmental and academic research problems.
You’ll develop your research skills primarily by completing a project under supervision. These skills include:-
- data collection
- manipulation of the data
- data interpretation and modelling
- critical analysis
- literature surveys
- presentation skills, through international conferences.
We’ll also encourage and train you to publish academic papers. It’s not unusual for students to students leave with 2-3 papers published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Research groups
- Analysis
- Design
- Policy formulation
- Management and governance
- Earth Surface Dynamics
- Geology and Geophysics
- Earth's Interior Dynamics
- People, Space and Place
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| MPhil / PhD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
The normal entry requirement for all our postgraduate programmes is a good first degree (2:1) or above, in a related area from an approved university or equivalent. Applications from those with non traditional qualifications and relevant work experience are also welcomed and will be considered on their individual merits.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall 6.5 no band below 5.5 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 88 overall with L 17 W 17 R 17 and S 19 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 176 with no less than 162 in any paper |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Postgraduate Administrator
- Email: envspgr@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 2874
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Find a scholarship
We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.