Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
We are one of the world’s best universities in interdisciplinary environment and sustainability, founded on strong fundamental disciplinary research and education. The faculty is home to ten departments in physical and environmental sciences, engineering and includes the globally recognised, triple accredited University of Exeter Business School.
For information on the research undertaken within our departments please click on the following the following department links: Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Science, Ecology and Conservation, Engineering, Geography, Mathematics and Statistic, Physics and Astronomy and the University of Exeter Business School.
We are committed to undertaking research that will help to tackle some of the biggest problems of the 21st century: modelling climate change, sustainable urban water supply, malaria diagnosis, new optical imaging techniques to treat brain disease and bomb-proof materials. Much of the research is interdisciplinary, with academics collaborating to explore topics in more depth.
The faculty brings together excellence in science, engineering, economics and business to help create a sustainable future world through transformative research, education and engagement. Our researchers play an active role across our interdisciplinary research institutes:
- The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)
- Global Systems Institute
- Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Living Systems Institute
Application deadline midday Thursday 3 December 2026
Research Projects
There are two opportunities to apply, either with your own research proposal or through one developed by our own faculty.
- Develop your own research proposal: We strongly encourage and welcome you to submit your own research proposal (see details in the 'How to Apply' section)
- Explore the selection of existing projects listed under the department sections below
If you are interested in one of the projects available, please contact the relevant supervisor to discuss your interest prior to submitting an application.
Please see the projects available for each department in the PDF documents below. If you wish to submit your own research project please find a suitable supervisor to support you with the application process.
- Department of Computer Science
Applications for projects within Computer Science should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science
Applications for projects within Earth and Environmental Science should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here
- Department of Ecology and Conservation
Applications for projects within Ecology and Conservation Science should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here
- Department of Engineering
Applications for projects within Engineering should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here
- Department of Geography
Applications for projects within Geography should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here - Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Applications for projects within Mathematics and Statistics should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Applications for projects within Physics and Astronomy should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here
University of Exeter Business School
- Department of Economics
Applications for projects within Economics should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here - Department of Finance and Accounting
Applications for projects within Finance and Accounting should be submitted via the following link - Apply Here - Department of Management
Applications for projects within Management should be submitted via the following link- Apply Here