| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-04-24 | - |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | - |
Program Overview
Research profile
Our research aims to increase understanding of the links between the environment and human and wildlife health. We also strive to improve human and ecosystem health through applied research that improves the quality of our natural environments; providing cleaner water, air and safer and healthier foods and medicines. We have considerable expertise in chemicals, health and the environment, winning a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for research revealing the link between chemicals in rivers and reproductive health. Our researchers have world-leading track records in environmental chemistry, toxicology and ecotoxicology, and our facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for the chemical analysis of samples and molecular and cell biology.
Within Environmental Sciences, we have four main research areas:
Environmental Change
We conduct research to improve the forecasting and response to environmental change. Expertise and track records of members are in the complementary areas of predictive environmental and health modelling and disaster management.
Environmental Health and Ecosystems
Our work aims to increase the knowledge of environmental exposures, as well as the biological responses to these exposures and the implications for human and wildlife health through mechanism-based risk assessment. We study chemicals, health and the environment (particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals and environmental carcinogens) and we develop model systems and assays for screening chemicals. We have expertise in environmental chemistry, toxicology, and ecotoxicology.
Biological Pathways and Systems
Our research in this area aims to provide a strong fundamental biological foundation for prevention science for environmental health. We investigate basic biological processes associated with health and illness, focusing on signalling pathways and systems that are susceptible to the effects of environmental stressors. Particular foci include pathways exploited during the induction of malignant transformation by environmental carcinogens and those exploited by endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Our research addresses various levels of biological organization including molecular, cellular, model organism and population, utilising new tools, techniques and model systems both in vitro and in vivo.
Environmental Solutions
The environment must be protected to preserve essential ecosystem functions and to provide for the wellbeing of future generations. We aim to improve environmental quality through a variety of engineering and management approaches aimed at promoting clean and healthy environments and safe and healthy food and medicines. We have particular expertise in the monitoring and improvement of the quality of air and water and in extracting natural products using countercurrent chromatography pioneered at Brunel.
Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.
Learn more about research in this area.
Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Program Outline
Research journey
This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.
Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here: Research degree progress structure.
Careers and your future
You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.
In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.
Find out more.
Following the completion of the course students may follow several career paths:
Find a supervisor
Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team.
You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.
PhD topics
While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:
