Imperial College London

Overview

The PhD in Environmental Policy at Imperial College London is designed to support interdisciplinary research that addresses the governance, financing, and management of environmental challenges. Candidates are encouraged to develop an original research project under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors, typically over a duration of three years, with the possibility of extending to four years in certain circumstances.

What you'll study

This programme is primarily thesis-based, allowing students to engage in self-directed research with structured academic supervision. There is no standard taught curriculum; instead, progress is made through a series of research milestones and formal academic reviews.

• Supervision: You will work closely with one or two academic supervisors from the Department.
• Research proposal and planning: Initial phases focus on refining your research question, scope, and methodology.
• Academic review process: You will participate in regular meetings with an academic review panel to assess your progress and outline subsequent steps.
• Thesis development: You will conduct research, analyze findings, and write a thesis that meets doctoral standards.
• Thesis submission: The thesis is expected to be submitted at the conclusion of the programme duration.

Interdisciplinary focus: The programme promotes an integration of methods and perspectives from various disciplines such as economics, law, management, and natural sciences to effectively tackle environmental policy issues.

Entry requirements

• Degree: Applicants should possess a UK First Class or Upper Second Class bachelor’s degree (or equivalent from an accredited institution).
• Discipline: Your undergraduate degree need not be in environmental sciences; candidates from diverse backgrounds, including philosophy, politics, engineering, and zoology, are welcome as long as their proposed research aligns with the programme's objectives.
• Funding note: Some funding opportunities may require a relevant Master’s degree. It is advisable to check specific funding calls or studentship requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Environmental Policy can expect a range of career opportunities in academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and private industry. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme equips students with the skills necessary to influence environmental policies and contribute to sustainable development initiatives globally.