ESRC DTP (WGSSS) Studentship

The Countryside and Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire is offering a fully funded PhD studentship through the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) and ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). This collaborative project, in partnership with the Welsh Government and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), focuses on deliberative approaches to farm system climate adaptation in the Usk Valley, South Wales.

The PhD aims to: (1) understand the perceived impacts of climate change on farms and their business models within the Usk catchment; (2) use qualitative and catchment-level climate data to deliberate strategies for climate adaptation at both farm and catchment scales, utilizing the innovative ‘climate fresk’ method; and (3) share findings and recommendations with rural policy advisors and validate a climate adaptation game for Welsh farming systems. The project will engage with the farming community, leveraging both formal and informal knowledge, and will work closely with farmers, advisors, and stakeholders to co-produce adaptation strategies.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Damian Maye, Dr Philippa Simmonds, and Dr Aimee Morse at the University of Gloucestershire, with additional advisory input from Dr Sarah Jones (Welsh Government) and Professor Bridget Emmett (UKCEH). The research will be based at the Countryside and Community Research Institute, with the possibility of initial training at Cardiff University for those requiring a master's research component.

This studentship is open to applicants from a range of social science backgrounds, including rural studies, environmental management, sociology, and human geography. Both home and international students are eligible, with international students not charged the fee difference. All WGSSS-funded students must complete a funded Research in Practice placement (3 months full-time or part-time equivalent) in academia, policy, business, or civil society.

The funding package includes full tuition fees, an annual tax-free stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (£20,780 for 2025-26 full-time), and access to a Research Training Support Grant. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) may be available for eligible students. The duration of study is typically 3.5 years for the PhD or 4.5 years for MSc + PhD, depending on prior experience and training needs.

Applicants must hold (or expect to hold) a UK first or upper second-class honours degree or a master's degree, or have equivalent experience. Non-traditional backgrounds are welcome. Proof of English language competency may be required. The application deadline is midnight on 6 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (expected 14 May 2026), including a presentation and panel questions. The successful applicant will be notified by the end of May 2026.

To apply, submit all required documents (covering letter, WGSSS application form, academic CV, two references, degree certificates and transcripts, and proof of English language competency if relevant) to Chris Rayfield ([email protected]), referencing ‘2022-072-04 Application’. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For project queries, contact Professor Damian Maye ([email protected]).

For more information, see the FindAPhD listing or the Climate Fresk website.