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University of Essex

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PhD Studentship: Political Economy of the Environment and Development University of Essex in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Sep 14, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Essex

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Sociology
Political Science
International Relations
Development Studies
Law
Political Economy
Industrial Policy
Environmental Governance
International Cooperation
Economics

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About this position

[Home tuition fee waiver; UKRI-level living costs stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026-27; £10,000 total research allowance; £2,500 Proficio training support.]

PhD Studentship in Political Economy of the Environment and Development at the University of Essex

This fully funded opportunity sits within the Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Essex. The project is designed for an applicant from an underrepresented group and combines a fully funded master’s degree with a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree.

The research focuses on the political economy of environment and development, especially how green industrial policies shape development opportunities, inequality, risk exposure, supply-chain resilience, and prospects for international cooperation at regional and global levels. The UK’s Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan is used as a key policy context, with the project examining how green economic transition policies affect people, institutions, and distributional outcomes.

The programme draws on political science, development studies, political economy, and economics. It also welcomes candidates with a background in law or international law, and it is not necessary to have prior training in international development or environmental governance, as this will be provided through the programme. The project area is broad, leaving room for the successful applicant to shape a specific research proposal in consultation with the supervisory team.

Funding is strong and includes a home tuition fee waiver, a UKRI-level living costs stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026-27, a £10,000 research allowance for authorised research costs such as fieldwork, supplies, and equipment, and additional training support including £2,500 via Proficio. Scholars also join the University of Essex’s Centre for Environment and Society, gaining access to events, networking, and interdisciplinary academic support.

Eligibility is restricted to UK-domiciled applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree and who are from a low-income household background and/or from specified ethnicity categories including Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, and selected mixed-background categories. Applications close on Monday 14 September 2026 at 11:59 pm BST.

Prospective applicants should use the University of Essex application link, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, and prepare a proposal that fits the project’s broad thematic scope.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

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