ESRC DTP Strategic Joint Studentship: Understanding the Relationship Between Housing Inequality and Wellbeing

[ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants.] The Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership invites applications for an ESRC Strategic Joint Studentship focused on understanding the relationship between housing inequality and wellbeing. The successful candidate will be registered at Loughborough University and work collaboratively with the University of Nottingham, commencing in October 2026. This interdisciplinary project investigates how housing inequalities shape wellbeing in urban environments, considering the impact of property regimes, governance structures, and environmental conditions on individuals' ability to lead active, healthy, and socially connected lives. Housing affordability, quality, and location are deeply influenced by income, wealth, policy, and politics, affecting access to safe, well-connected, and sustainable neighbourhoods. The research will explore housing as a spatial and political mediator of wellbeing inequality, particularly in cities experiencing rapid social and ecological change. The project employs a mixed-methods approach, combining advanced quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative and participatory research to connect structural inequalities with lived experiences. Quantitative work will involve handling large and complex datasets, including administrative housing data, environmental indicators, and accessibility metrics. The student will apply advanced spatial methods such as multilevel modelling and geographically weighted regression, gaining training in quantitative methods, spatial data integration, uncertainty assessment, and reproducible coding in R or Python. Qualitative research will use participatory and counter-cartographic methods, including mental mapping and co-design workshops with residents in selected neighbourhoods in Loughborough and/or Nottingham, empowering residents to articulate alternative spatial imaginaries of liveable and just urban futures. The project is supervised by Professor Trivik Verma and Dr. Elsa Noterman, who bring expertise in spatial data science, urban inequality, housing governance, and participatory research. The training environment includes MGS Advanced Quantitative Methods and engagement with national data infrastructures and local authority partners, providing a supportive research setting at both institutions. Funding for this studentship includes full tuition fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training and research activity support grants. Both home and international applicants are eligible. Applicants should hold or expect to hold a relevant undergraduate or master's degree in geography, sociology, urban studies, or a quantitative social science, with experience in quantitative methods, spatial data analysis, and coding in R or Python considered advantageous. To apply, candidates must complete the online Strategic Joint Studentship application form, uploading an anonymised CV, cover letter detailing interest, motivation, and skills, and transcripts. The application deadline is 20 February 2026, with interviews scheduled online between 9-13 March 2026. For further details on eligibility and funding, visit the Midlands Graduate School DTP website. Informal research enquiries can be directed to Professor Trivik Verma at [email protected].