AHRC funded PhD: Is Outer Space a Global Common? University of Leicester in United Kingdom

The University of Leicester's School of Law invites applications for a fully funded PhD position exploring the legal and conceptual status of outer space as a global common. Supported by the AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in Humanity and Space Studentship, this project investigates the increasing use of outer space for scientific, commercial, and security purposes, and the resulting competition over limited resources, particularly in low Earth orbit. The research will critically examine how States refer to outer space as a global common, despite the absence of this terminology in multilateral treaties, and will analyze the legal implications of such references.

The doctoral project aims to: (1) identify when and under what circumstances States describe outer space as a global common; (2) compare State practice in outer space with other areas considered global commons, such as the law of the sea, Antarctic regime, air law, and environmental/climate law; (3) problematize whether State practice reflects a unified or area-specific concept of global commons; and (4) conceptualize the implications for the progressive development of international space law and other areas of international law, including the potential emergence of customary international law, general principles, or evolutive treaty interpretation.

This PhD will be developed in collaboration with the Centre for European Law and Internationalisation (CELI), offering a vibrant research environment and access to leading expertise in international law. Supervisors for this project are Professor Rossana Deplano and Professor Katja Ziegler, both renowned for their work in international and space law. Applicants are encouraged to review relevant literature, including works by Rossana Deplano and recent empirical studies on space arrangements.

The AHRC studentship covers four years of UK tuition fees and a stipend at UKRI rates (£21,805 per annum for 2026/7). International applicants are welcome but must pay the difference between UK and Overseas fees (£12,762 per annum for 2026/7). Applicants should have a strong academic background in law, international relations, political science, or a related discipline, and demonstrate a keen interest in international law and space law. English language proficiency is required as per University of Leicester standards.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 9, 2026. To apply, visit the University of Leicester's funded opportunities page and follow the application advice. For project enquiries, contact Professor Rossana Deplano at [email protected]. For application enquiries, email [email protected].