PhD Studentship: Climate Change, Heat and Inequality in School Environments (President’s Doctoral Scholar Award) The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

This interdisciplinary PhD studentship, funded by the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award at The University of Manchester, investigates the pressing issue of climate change–driven heat exposure and its impact on human health, educational equity, and productivity, with a specific focus on school environments. Rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves across Europe are already causing significant excess mortality and hospitalisation, and children in schools are particularly vulnerable due to limited agency, increased susceptibility to heat-related illness, and impaired learning potential from even moderate temperature increases.

The project addresses how these risks are unevenly distributed, with inner-city areas disproportionately affected by the urban heat island effect, amplifying temperatures in socioeconomically deprived regions. Many schools in these contexts are housed in older buildings with poor thermal performance and limited access to green or cool spaces, creating environmental justice issues where climate change intensifies existing social and health inequalities.

The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining quantitative climate and infrastructure data to map school exposure to extreme temperatures and identify those most at risk. It also analyses how sustainability and climate issues are addressed within educational policy and curriculum frameworks, drawing on international and decolonial perspectives. The project aims to develop an integrative framework linking environmental sustainability, nature relatedness, and wellbeing in educational settings.

The successful candidate will join the Manchester Institute of Education, a highly interdisciplinary department with strengths in education, psychology, and applied social research. Applicants with backgrounds in education, psychology, social science, geography, or environmental studies and an interest in climate-related societal challenges are encouraged to apply.

Academic requirements include a First class Bachelor's (Honours) degree and a Master's degree in a relevant subject, with strong research methods expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Desirable skills include experience working in schools, engaging with diverse communities, supporting research projects on school practice or teacher wellbeing, and proficiency in R, Python, or other programming languages for data analysis. English language proficiency is required.

The President’s Doctoral Scholar Award provides full funding for tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus a £1,000 stipend enhancement for 3.5 years, starting in September 2026. Candidates must cover relocation and associated costs (e.g. visa, health surcharges). The application deadline is March 18, 2026, and interviews are expected in May 2026.

To apply, submit your application online for PhD Education, indicate your intention to apply for the PDS Award, and ensure all required supporting documents are included. For further information or questions, contact Dr Sarah MacQuarrie at [email protected]. More details are available on the project website.