PhD in Environment And Sustainability

Project Overview/nThis is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded master’s degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex./nOnly UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply:/nNot already have a Master’s degree from the host institution/nBe from a low-income household background as evidenced by, for example, being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies./nand/or/nBe one of the following categories of ethnicity:/nBlack African/nBlack Caribbean/nBlack Other/nMixed – White and Black Caribbean/nMixed – White and Black African/nOther mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)/nThe successful applicant would study an appropriate master’s degree, such as:/nLLM Law, Environment and Sustainability/nLLM Public International Law/nThis project would consider the practical implementation of the human right to water within developing countries./nIt will analyse different law and governance systems? That implement this right at national levels and the potential steps for improving effectiveness./nThe researcher would be able to consider the implementation of the right in the context of competing priorities and a range of governance issues./nInterdisciplinary Focus and Methods/nThis project is interdisciplinary by focusing on the legal aspects of the development of the right to water and combining those with the methods that analyse governance issues, especially in regions in developing countries where demands on water supplies are stressed and can cause multiple challenges and hazards for citizens and communities./nTraining and Support/nYou will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of/nProficio/nwhich entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally Sustainable Transitions scholars are entitled to £10,000 that can be used to cover research costs and further training. Scholars are encouraged to audit masters and degree level course where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team, as well as your own supervisory team. All Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available./nPerson Specification/nThis opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree / background in law / international law./nIt is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in international development or environmental governance as this will be provided on the programme./nResearch Proposal/nThe project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team./nAdditional Funding Information/nHome tuition fee waiver./nLiving costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2025-26 is £20,780. The stipend for 2026-27 is TBA./nA research allowance of £10,000 (in total) to be spent on authorised research costs, for example supplies and equipment, fieldwork etc./nClosing Date:/n11:59pm GMT on Monday 13th April 2026