University of Essex
Closing soon
1 month ago
PhD Studentship: Master’s plus PhD in Sustainability and Life Sciences University of Essex in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 14, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Essex
How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Meet Kite AI
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested scholarships
About this position
This is a fully funded Master’s plus PhD studentship at the University of Essex under the Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme.
The opportunity is designed for applicants with an undergraduate background in the life sciences or a related field who want to develop an interdisciplinary research project on environment and sustainability. The programme begins with an MSc Biotechnology starting in January 2027, after which the successful candidate will progress to the PhD stage and refine their research proposal in consultation with the supervisory team.
Applicants are asked to submit a project area proposal of up to 1000 words. The call is deliberately broad so that candidates can shape their own research direction within the life sciences and sustainability theme. To ensure interdisciplinarity, each proposal must integrate one additional discipline from Law, Government/Political Science, Business, or Sociology. No prior knowledge of the chosen additional discipline is required, as training will be provided.
The award covers all tuition fees and provides a living-costs stipend at the UKRI recommended level. The stipend for 2026–27 is £21,805, and scholars also receive a £10,000 research allowance for authorised costs such as supplies, equipment, and fieldwork. In addition, doctoral scholars can access £2,500 through Proficio for training courses.
Eligible applicants must be UK domiciled, must not already hold a Master’s degree, and must meet the programme’s widening participation criteria: evidence of a low-income household background and/or membership of specified ethnicity categories including Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, and selected Mixed-background categories.
Students will receive training and ongoing support through the Sustainable Transitions programme, including interdisciplinary research methods, secondary-discipline training, and development opportunities. Scholars may also join the University of Essex Centre for Environment and Society, which offers events and networking.
Deadline: 11:59 pm BST on Monday 14 September 2026.
Apply via: the University of Essex research opportunities page.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must be UK domiciled and must not already hold a Master’s degree. They should have an undergraduate degree in the life sciences or a related subject and submit a 1000-word maximum project area proposal. Eligible applicants must also come from a low-income household background (for example, having received a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during undergraduate study) and/or belong to one of the specified ethnicity categories: Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed – White and Black Caribbean, Mixed – White and Black African, or other mixed background including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other. The proposal must integrate one additional discipline from law, government/political science, business, or sociology; prior knowledge of that discipline is not required.
How to apply
Prepare a project area proposal of up to 1000 words describing your intended research area in environment and sustainability as it relates to the life sciences. Indicate one interdisciplinary area to integrate: law, government/political science, business, or sociology. Submit your application through the University of Essex research opportunities page before 11:59 pm BST on 14 September 2026.
Ask ApplyKite AI
How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.