PhD Studentship: Implementation of the Human Right to Water University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Home tuition fee waiver, living costs stipend at UKRI recommended level (£20,780 for 2025-26), research allowance of £10,000 for authorised research costs.]

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 on the implementation of the human right to water. The position is part of the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ and includes a funded master’s degree (such as LLM Law, Environment and Sustainability or LLM Public International Law) followed by a PhD. The research will focus on analysing law and governance systems that implement the right to water in developing countries, exploring effectiveness and potential improvements in the context of competing priorities and governance challenges.

The project is interdisciplinary, combining legal analysis with governance methods, particularly in regions where water supply is stressed and presents multiple hazards for communities. Scholars will receive comprehensive training in interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and ongoing support throughout the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from Proficio, which provides £2,500 for training courses, and Sustainable Transitions scholars receive a £10,000 research allowance for supplies, equipment, and fieldwork. Scholars are encouraged to audit relevant courses and will be supported by the Sustainable Transitions management team and their supervisory team. They will also join the Centre for Environment and Society, gaining access to events and networking opportunities.

Eligibility is restricted to UK domiciled applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree from the University of Essex, are from a low-income household background (evidenced by maintenance or Special Support loan during undergraduate studies), and/or belong to specific ethnic groups (Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed – White and Black Caribbean, Mixed – White and Black African, Other mixed backgrounds including Black African, Black Caribbean, and Black Other). Applicants should have a degree or background in law or international law; prior training in international development or environmental governance is not required as it will be provided during the programme.

The project area is broadly defined, allowing applicants to develop their own research proposal as part of the application process, with further refinement in consultation with the supervisory team. 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. The application deadline is 13 April 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Essex postgraduate research opportunities portal.