Innovative geomorphic approaches to support better management of flood risk and ecosystem health

Qualification(s) available: PhD

Entry requirements
2:1
Fees for 2024-25 (per academic year)
UK: Fully funded
International: Fully funded
Fees for 2025-26 (per academic year)
UK: Fully funded
International: Fully funded
Full-time
3.5 years
Part-time
7 years
Start date
October 2025
Application deadline
8th January 2025
Project reference
FCDT-25-LU5
Location
Loughborough
Subject area(s)
Geography and Environment
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Project details

Project rationale:
Flood risk is controlled by both the hydrology and the physical shape and behaviour of a river and its floodplain (e.g., river type and behaviour; impacts of artificial modifications). Although hydrological drivers are easily recorded and well understood, how they interact with river behaviour and the impacts of extensive artificial modifications are not. Existing data and tools are limited, vary between UK nations, and require development. This creates a gap in our ability to manage flood risk in future.
To address this gap we need national coverage of geospatial data to understand: (1) existing river attributes and landscape conditions that influence their behaviour (e.g. stream power; sediment flux; valley confinement); and (2) distribution and type of physical modifications. This baseline data can then be used to create tools which characterise how responsive different sections of river are to floods (both now and in the future with climate change), based on the type and extent of anthropogenic modifications and underlying channel characteristics. These data should also be useful to understand more about wider natural riverscape functioning, which additional uses such as catchment-scale scoping for river restoration and understanding the impact of different types of future development.

Methodology:
This PhD will aim to improve our understanding of how flood risk changes due to zones of increased channel adjustment, by building on existing datasets and projects (e.g. Environment Agency’s Channel Sensitivity Project, 2021, Grieg et al., 2006; SEPA, 2021). The work will assess existing river characteristics, behaviour and physical modifications, using these to map geomorphically-controlled flood risk from ‘hot spots’ to ‘cool spots’ across the fluvial network, and develop knowledge and tools to understand the risk better. The anticipated research stages are:

(1) Review existing science and national-scale datasets that are used or could be used to identify zones of geomorphically-controlled flood risk:
(2) Identify scientific and data gaps which need to be filled in order to improve our understanding of geomorphically-controlled flood risk.
(3) Combine literature review findings with existing data to create new maps or tools to map hotspots of river responsiveness, resilience, and geomorphically-controlled flood risk.
(4) Quantify the degree of confidence and uncertainty associated with risk predictions by comparing improved risk predictions with locations of channel adjustment identified from existing geomorphic studies into previous major floods (e.g., Storm Desmond).

The outputs should enable better predictive capabilities, by understanding and improving how geomorphic and landscape processes control flood risk.

References:
Environment Agency, 2021 ‘Understanding river channel sensitivity to geomorphological changes’ Understanding river channel sensitivity to geomorphological changes - GOV.UK >Greig S.M., Richardson R. and Gibson J. (2006). A new impact assessment tool to support river engineering regulatory decisions: SNIFFER Technical Report. Project No. WFD49. A12. Morphological Impact Assessment System (MImAS) - PRAGMO (therrc.co.uk)

SEPA (2021) – Will the river do the work? will-the-river-do-the-work.pdf (sepa.org.uk)

Supervisors

Edwin Baynes

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject. EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 95% 85% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 9.5 8.5 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) 8.5 7.5 6.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum 90% or 3.9 80% or 3.5 70% or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% / B / (or 2) 60% / B / (or 2)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 4.5 or 90% 4 or 80% 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College 1st or GPA 3.75 2:1 or GPA 3.5 2:2 or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) 9 7 5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie 80% or 17 70% or 14 60% or 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise 18 15 or Bien 12 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) 85/78 75/66 67/55
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree A or 80% B or 70% C or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei First Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) 6 5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) 18 15/20 (Bien) 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 80% or B+ or 3.5 70% or B or 3.0 60% or C+ or 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage 3.7/85% 3.3/75% 2.7/68%
Out of 9 8 6 5
Out of 12 10 8 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) 6 5.5 5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Shanghai Rank 251-500 88% 84% 80% 78% 75%
Shanghai Rank 501+ 92% 87% 84% 82% 80%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:

  • School of Business and Economics: not considered
  • All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

Table of Chinese universities for special consideration

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 3.75 3.2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado 9 8 or 80 7 or 75
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik 4.5 3.8 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura 5 4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus 8.5 7.0 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr 1 1.5 2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) 12 10 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] 3.8 Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 8.5 / 85% 8 / 80% 7 / 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt 3.5 3.2 2.8
Universities only BA 90%, BSc 85% BA 80%, BSc 75% BA 65%, BSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto 8.5, 85% 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno 6.5, 65% or Bueno
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad 5 or 91% or A 4 or 81% or B 3 or 71% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A/GPA 4.0 A/GPA 3.5 B/GPA 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur 14 13 11
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) 5 (95%) 4.0 (85%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung 1.5 2.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana First Upper second/60% Lower second/50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities 8.5 7.0 6
TEI and non-University Institutions 8.5 7 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage A B / 75% C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA 3.6 3.0 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's GPA 4 GPA 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 GPA 5 or 90% GPA 4 or 80% GPA 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
1st or 3.5/4 2:1or 3/4 2:2 or 2.5/4 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor 4.5 3.5 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework 65% (First) 60% (First) 55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions 70% (First with distinction) 65% (First) 60% (First)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities 3.3 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran 17 15 13
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq 80% 75% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland First (70%) Upper second (60%) Lower second (50%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea 109/110 100/110 90/110
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures 16 14 (Bien) 12 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale 85% or A or 3.5 80% or B or 3.0 70% or C or 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale 4.5 or 90% 4 or 85% 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale 3.9 3.7 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya First / 70% / A Upper second / 60% / B Lower second / 50% / C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.6 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia 9 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
American 90% (3.5) 80% (3.2) 70% (2.8)
French 18 15 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's 4.0 or 90% 3.5 or 85% 3 or 80%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine 85 (3.6) 75 (3.0) 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university 90 (4.0) 85% (3.6) 75% (3.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg 18 (excellent) 16 (tres Bien) 14 (bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau 1st or GPA 3.7 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only MSc 75% MSc 70% MSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Class 2.1 GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta 1st (80%) 2:1 (70%) 2:2 (55%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius 1st or 70% 2:1 or 60% 2:2 or 50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] 8.5 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) 90% or 3.5 80% or GPA 3.2 70% or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies 10 (or 5.0) 9 (or 4.5) 8 (or 4.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree 5 or 85% 5 or 75% 4.5 or 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters 80% or A 70% or B 60% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) 80% or 3.7 GPA 65% or 3.3 GPA 60% or 3.0 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands 8 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 First (7.0) Upper Second (6.0) Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 A+ (9.0) A- (7.0) B+ (6.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale 6 5 3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale 4.5 3.8 3.5
4 point scale 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway A / 1.8 B / 2.3 C / 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) A- or GPA 3.7 B or GPA 3.0 C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) (85%) 3.5 (80%) 3.0 (70%) 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 91 (A) 81 (B) 71 (C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 (85%) 4 (80%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 14 13 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado 18 16 14
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) 1st, 16/20 (80%) 2:1,14/20 (70%) 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees 16/20 or Tres Bien 14/20 or Bien 12/20 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters 1st (70%) 2:1 (60% or B) 2:2 (50% or C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) First Upper second Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.0 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier 1.5 or B 2.0 or C 2.5 or C/high D
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study 1st or 75% 2:1 or 70% 2:2 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 4.0 / A 3.5 / B 3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 4.0 / A 3.0 / B 2.7 / C+
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto 8.5 7 6.5
UCM grading 3.0 2.0 1.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree 90%, GPA 3.70 80%, GPA 3.30 70%, GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree 1st, 70%, B+ 2:1, 66% mid 2:2, 60%, B
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) 10 / 6 / 1 8 / 5 / 2 6 / 4 / 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study 80% 70% 60%
Private universities 4 years of study 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree) 80% 75% 70%
Category 2 (4 year degree) 85% 80% 75%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT 1st or GPA 3.6 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu 16 (tres bien) 14 (bien) 11 (assez bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda 1st or 4.4 2:1 or 3.8 2:2 or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.2 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) 90% or GPA 4.5 80% or GPA 4.0 70% or GPA 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) 18/20 or 8/9 16/20 or 7/9 14/20 or 6/9
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale 8.0 7.0 6.0
4-point scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A or 4.0 or 80% B+, 3.5 or 70% B or 3.0 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree 1st or 75% 2:1 or 65% 2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024-25 entry

UK fee

Fully funded Full-time degree per annum

International fee

Fully funded Full-time degree per annum

Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry

UK fee

Fully funded Full-time degree per annum

International fee

Fully funded Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025. Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.

Find out more about research degree funding

Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT.
The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent International candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to International candidates.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Geography and Environment. Please quote the advertised reference number: FCDT-25-LU5 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be found here. Please note, that your application will be assessed upon: (1) Motivation and Career Aspirations; (2) Potential & Intellectual Excellence; (3) Suitability for specific project and (4) Fit to FLOOD-CDT. So please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:

  • a 1 page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project
  • a curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
  • a IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable.

You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project specific aspects of the proposed prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.

Apply now