Publisher
source

Anglia Ruskin University

PhD in Social Acceptability of Biodiversity-Friendly Grassland Management Anglia Ruskin University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Funded PhD studentship through the Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP). Supports 3.5–4.5 years of full-time study, with part-time study encouraged. Provides tuition fees up to the UKRI Home fee rate, an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per annum in 2026–27 for full-time students), up to £900 for research training, a personalised training programme, and support for a required three-month placement. International students receive Home-rate fees only and must cov

Deadline

Nov 15, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Anglia Ruskin University

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Sociology
Agriculture
Psychology
Biology
Biodiversity
Climate Science
Grassland Management
Research Method

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About this position

PhD opportunity in biodiversity-friendly grassland management, with a strong focus on the social acceptability of reduced mowing and low-intensity grazing in urban green spaces, roadside areas, and gardens. The project is based at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and is offered through the Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP).

The research sits at the intersection of Biology, Environmental Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Agriculture. It aims to understand community opinions and develop strategies that could help shift societal attitudes toward greater acceptance of biodiversity-enhancing grassland management. The topic is linked to ESRC priority areas including net zero, environment, biodiversity, and climate change.

Supervision is by Dr Alvin Helden (School of Life Sciences, ARU), Dr Elena Cini (Global Sustainability Institute, ARU), and Guy Belcher (Cambridge City Council). The project particularly values experience with focus groups, cultural consensus analysis, questionnaires, and interviews; biodiversity assessment methods are a plus.

This is a funded PhD studentship supporting 3.5–4.5 years of study. Funding includes tuition fees up to the UKRI Home rate, an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 (2026–27 full-time rate), up to £900 for research training, and support for a required three-month placement. International applicants are eligible, but they must secure additional funding for the fee difference and cover visa and immigration health surcharge costs.

Applicants should have or expect a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience. A relevant Master’s degree is desirable. Both full-time and part-time applicants are welcome, and applicants from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged. The studentship is based at ARU in Cambridge, and students are expected to live within reasonable travel distance of campus.

How to apply: Contact Dr Alvin Helden first to discuss the project and your proposal. Then apply via the ARU online portal by 15 November 2026, selecting the October 2027 entry option marked “CAM-DTP Only”. Prepare degree certificates/transcripts, a personal statement, a research outline, CV, passport/visa or share code, and referee email addresses. CAM-DTP does not accept direct applications.

Funding details

Funded PhD studentship through the Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP). Supports 3.5–4.5 years of full-time study, with part-time study encouraged. Provides tuition fees up to the UKRI Home fee rate, an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per annum in 2026–27 for full-time students), up to £900 for research training, a personalised training programme, and support for a required three-month placement. International students receive Home-rate fees only and must cov

What's required

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is desirable. Knowledge of or experience with research methods such as focus groups, cultural consensus analysis, questionnaires, and interviews is required. Biodiversity assessment methods would be helpful. Both full-time and part-time applicants are welcome; home and international students are eligible, though international students must secure additional funding for the fee difference, visa, and immigration health surcharge.

How to apply

Contact Dr Alvin Helden before applying to discuss the topic and your research proposal. Then apply through the ARU online portal by 15 November 2026, selecting the October 2027 entry option marked “CAM-DTP Only”. Do not submit a direct application to CAM-DTP. Prepare transcripts, certificates, personal statement, research outline, CV, passport/visa or share code, and referee email addresses.

More information can be found here

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