PhD in Environmental Geography, Health, and Participatory Methods at Loughborough University Loughborough University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD opportunity at Loughborough University explores the intersection of environmental geography, public health, and urban resilience, focusing on the impacts of flooding on access to green spaces in Leicestershire communities. The project, titled "Co-creating Flood-Resilient Green Spaces: Understanding Health, Access and Equity in Leicestershire Communities," aims to understand how flooding disrupts access to green spaces, which are vital for health and wellbeing, and how these disruptions are experienced unequally across different social groups.

Supervised by a multidisciplinary team—Professor Lauren Sherar (Physical Activity and Public Health), Dr Katie Parsons (Loughborough University), Dr Jacqui Cotton (Environment Agency), and Dr Sarah McNeill (NIHR Leicestershire HDRC)—the research will use participatory methods to engage with underrepresented groups such as children, older adults, disabled people, transient communities, and low-income households. The goal is to co-create knowledge and solutions with residents to inform inclusive, climate-resilient planning and policy.

The project will examine how flooding affects green space access and engagement, assess the health and wellbeing impacts of these disruptions, and extend resilience frameworks to include spatial, social, and emotional dimensions of accessibility. The research is based in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, with strong partnerships with the Environment Agency and NIHR Leicestershire HDRC.

Applicants should have at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component). The position is fully funded for both UK and international students, covering tuition and providing a stipend. The PhD can be undertaken full-time (3.5 years) or part-time (7 years), with a start date in October 2026. The application deadline is 8 January 2026.

To apply, visit the Loughborough University website and use the project reference FCDT-26-LU6. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the supervisory team with questions and to attend open days or events for further information.