PhD Studentship: Political Economy of the Environment and Development University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Home tuition fee waiver. Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year (£20,780 for 2025-26). Research allowance of £10,000 in total for authorised research costs. Additional £2,500 through Proficio for training courses.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Essex offers a unique opportunity for UK domiciled applicants from underrepresented groups to pursue interdisciplinary research in the political economy of the environment and development. The position is part of the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ and includes a fully funded master’s degree followed by a fully funded PhD. The research will explore how green industrial policies, such as those outlined in the UK’s Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, reshape development opportunities, international cooperation, inequalities, risk exposure, and the resilience of supply chains at both regional and global levels.

The project is interdisciplinary, drawing on political science, development studies, political economy, economics, and law. Applicants are encouraged to have a good undergraduate degree with substantial exposure to the political economy of environment and development. Candidates with backgrounds in law or international law are particularly welcome, though prior training in international development or environmental governance is not required as it will be provided during the programme.

Successful candidates will benefit from the Sustainable Transitions training program, which offers interdisciplinary research training, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars have access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training. Scholars may audit relevant courses and will be supported by both the Sustainable Transitions management and their supervisory team. All scholars join the University of Essex’s ‘Centre for Environment and Society,’ providing events and networking opportunities.

Funding includes a home tuition fee waiver, a living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level (£20,780 for 2025-26), and a research allowance of £10,000 for authorised research costs. The application deadline is 13 April 2026. Applicants must not already have a Master’s degree, must be from a low-income household background (evidenced by receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during undergraduate studies), and/or belong to specified underrepresented ethnic groups (Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed – White and Black Caribbean, Mixed – White and Black African, Other mixed background including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other).

The project area is broadly defined, allowing applicants to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application process. The successful candidate will further refine their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Essex postgraduate research opportunities portal.