Overview

About the programme

Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Ecology research at The Open University UK considers element cycles, water balances and energy budgets in response to change, whether caused by natural catastrophe through volcanic eruptions or fire, or through human impact.

There is a strong focus on understanding carbon and nutrient dynamics within wetland ecosystems and ecophysiological responses of forests to change. A key approach undertaken in this area is the application of experimental simulations of individual drivers of global change in order to understand likely ecosystem responses, while providing a mechanistic understanding of any changes to key underlying processes and microbial communities.

Our research has taken place across the globe, including northern peatlands, European grasslands, South African heaths, and in the polar regions.

Programme Structure

Current/recent research projects:

Land-use as a tool in natural flood management
Nutrient budgets under different land-use scenarios
Pollution effects on ecosystems
Ecohydrology of riparian forests

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-01 00:00:00

More details

Application period: January to April

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Chemistry Biology Ecology View 147 other PhDs in Biology in United Kingdom

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) or an appropriate undergraduate degree and postgraduate qualification. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

15456 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 15456 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4712 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4712 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Milton Keynes

848 - 1345 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Ecology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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