Manchester Metropolitan University
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PhD Studentship in Legal Geographies of Vehicle Dwelling Manchester Metropolitan University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Feb 2, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
Manchester Metropolitan University
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About this position
Manchester Metropolitan University is offering a funded PhD studentship with the Manchester Law School on Legal Geographies of Vehicle Dwelling. This project sits at the intersection of law, geography, and mobilities scholarship, and examines the everyday legalities faced by people who live, travel, and work from vehicles.
The research focuses on how vehicular dwelling is governed through overlapping legal and regulatory frameworks, including parking and traffic regulation, insurance, social care, health, employment, education, planning, and waste management. It also engages with the public/private divide and asks how law privileges fixed forms of residence. A specific focus on “van life” is used to explore both the aspirational framing of vehicular dwelling and the inequities, immobility, and legal inadequacies encountered by vehicle dwellers.
The project aims to map the plural legal and regulatory frameworks involved, understand the everyday experiences of vehicle dwellers, and identify what these encounters reveal about the assumptions underpinning law and dwelling. It is a strong fit for candidates interested in socio-legal studies, legal geography, mobility, regulation, housing precarity, and everyday governance.
This is a 3-year funded PhD studentship open to home and international applicants. Tuition fees for both home and international students are covered for the duration of the award, and the student will receive a standard stipend currently set by UKRI at £21,805 for 2026/27.
Applicants should have a postgraduate degree in law or a closely relevant field, along with a first-class or upper second class undergraduate degree in a related subject. Strong English communication skills are required, and multidisciplinary research engagement is encouraged. Prior experience in socio-legal studies or legal geography is desirable but not essential.
For enquiries, contact the proposed Principal Supervisor, Dr. Christopher Morris at [email protected]. To apply, complete the online PhD in Law application form, the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and submit a CV and covering letter via the university admissions portal or by email to [email protected]. The deadline is 2 February, and the expected start date is October 2027. Candidates will first be reviewed by the project supervisors and then shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview for final funding decisions.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold a postgraduate degree or equivalent in law or a field demonstrably relevant to the research, together with a first-class or upper second class undergraduate degree in a related subject. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research and innovative methodologies is expected. Research experience in socio-legal studies or legal geography is desirable but not essential.
How to apply
Contact Dr. Christopher Morris if you have questions. Complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Law and do not submit a research proposal through the portal. Upload the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, CV, and covering letter to the Admissions Portal or email them to [email protected].
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.