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Postgraduate Study

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is among the leading environmental research centres in the world. It is an institute of the UK Research & Innovation - Natural Environment Research Council (UKRI-NERC) and is responsible for the UK's national scientific activities in Antarctica.

Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth and our impact on it.
 
Through its extensive logistic capability and know-how, BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure, help sustain a world-leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. The UK is one of over thirty countries operating scientific research facilities in Antarctica.
 
In partnership with the University of Cambridge, BAS offers a PhD in Antarctic Studies. Students undertake a research project under the joint supervision of a research scientist at BAS and a University supervisor in a relevant partner Department. Students are usually based at BAS in Cambridge but will be registered for their degree at the University of Cambridge under one of the partnering departments: Archaeology & Anthropology, Land Economy, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or Computer Science & Technology.
 
Our seven Polar Science for Planet Earth teams consist of Atmosphere, Ice & Climate; Biodiversity, Evolution & Adaptation; Ecosystems; Ice Dynamics Palaeoclimate; Palaeo Environments, Ice Sheets & Climate Change; Polar Oceans; Space Weather & Atmosphere.
 

We welcome research enquiries from those working for first degrees or Masters in earth science subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and related areas. BAS is a UKRI institution, hence, our students undertake advertised projects in partnership with NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (C-CLEAR DTP) or UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training.

All research students registered at the institution have a BAS supervisor and a University supervisor in a cognate department; progression and examination requirements are as for research students in the partner department.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.


Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

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Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

British Antarctic Survey This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Jan. 3, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Lent 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2025
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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