PhD Studentship: Towards a Praxis of a Just Transition in Developing Economies University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Fully funded studentship; £20,780 for 2025-26, plus £2,500 for training courses and £10,000 for research costs and further training.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Essex offers an exciting opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research focused on the concept of a just transition in developing economies. Hosted within the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’, the project addresses the uneven global burden of climate change, with particular attention to vulnerable populations in developing regions. The research aims to critically examine the discourses surrounding just transition, challenging dominant narratives from the Global North and exploring transformative approaches that move beyond incremental change and regulatory frameworks.

The project will investigate conflicting perspectives among key stakeholders and analyze relevant legal frameworks, including human rights and sustainability principles, to identify action-based alternatives for achieving a transformative just transition. The collaboration between Essex Business School (EBS) and Essex Law School (ELS) provides a unique interdisciplinary environment, combining expertise in sustainability, accountability, political economy, and legal and rights-based frameworks. This synergy will enable a comprehensive understanding of how dominant and counter discourses shape climate change problems and solutions, and how legal interventions can address global challenges.

As a doctoral scholar, you will benefit from the Sustainable Transitions training programme, which includes initial and ongoing training in interdisciplinary research methods and secondary disciplines relevant to the project. The Proficio scheme offers £2,500 for training courses, while Sustainable Transitions scholars receive an additional £10,000 for research costs and further training. You will also have access to the Centre for Environment and Society, providing networking opportunities and ongoing events to support your academic development.

This studentship is ideal for candidates with a background in sustainability, social and environmental accounting, corporate social responsibility, or accountability, and a keen interest in climate change and qualitative research methodologies. No prior training in environmental law is required, as this will be provided during the programme. Applicants are encouraged to develop their own research proposal within the broadly defined project area and will receive guidance from a dedicated supervisory team.

Applications are open until 13 April 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Essex postgraduate research opportunities portal. This is a unique chance to contribute to transformative research addressing global climate justice and sustainable transitions in developing economies.