PhD Studentship: The Relationship between Legal and Economic Interventions for Effective Climate Adaptation Strategies University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Fully funded master’s degree followed by a fully funded PhD, including £20,780 stipend, £2,500 for training courses, and £10,000 for research and additional training.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Essex offers a unique opportunity for UK-domiciled applicants from underrepresented groups to pursue a master’s degree followed by an interdisciplinary PhD under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme.’ The research will focus on the relationship between legal and economic interventions for effective climate adaptation strategies, addressing urgent needs in law, policy, and investment to support communities facing climate-related challenges such as storms, flooding, and drought.

The project is designed to analyze the interface between legal frameworks and economic requirements for climate adaptation, combining legal analysis with the study of investment, financial, and governance strategies. The successful candidate will have the flexibility to develop their own research proposal within this broad area, with support from a supervisory team and the Sustainable Transitions management. Training includes interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and access to the Centre for Environment and Society for networking and events.

Funding includes a stipend of £20,780, full tuition coverage for both master’s and PhD, £2,500 for training courses, and £10,000 for research and additional training. Applicants must not already have a master’s degree, must be from a low-income background or specified ethnic groups, and should have a degree or background in law. No prior experience in economics or development studies is required, as relevant training will be provided. The application deadline is 13 April 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Essex postgraduate research opportunities page.