Environment and Sustainability PhD

Our Environment and Sustainability PhD programme equips you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become a leader in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices in various sectors. The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment 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 multidisciplinary 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. We champion two of the University’s main research themes, sustainability and urban living, and we are also home to the prestigious Economic and Social Research Council-funded Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), led by Professor Tim Jackson. We collaborate with staff across the University on a huge range of sustainability-related projects, giving you an excellent opportunity to learn from and contribute to this vital area of human development.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).