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PhD Studentship: The Relationship between Legal and Economic Interventions for Effective Climate Adaptation Strategies University of Essex in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full funding availableDeadline
Sep 14, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Essex
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About this position
PhD Studentship at the University of Essex in the Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme.
This fully funded opportunity is for an applicant from an underrepresented group to complete a master’s degree followed by an interdisciplinary PhD focused on the relationship between legal and economic interventions for effective climate adaptation strategies. The project sits at the intersection of law, climate change adaptation, finance, investment, governance, and policy design, with a strong emphasis on how legal frameworks can support practical and effective responses to climate risks such as storms, flooding, sea-level rise, desertification, drought, and crop failure.
The successful applicant will first study an appropriate master’s degree, such as LLM Law, and then progress to a PhD project examining how legal and economic tools can be combined to improve climate adaptation. The research is broadly defined, giving room to shape a specific proposal in consultation with the supervisory team. The project is especially relevant to students interested in international environmental law, climate governance, and the legal infrastructure required for adaptation investment and financing.
The programme provides interdisciplinary research methods training, secondary discipline training, and ongoing academic development. Doctoral scholars also receive access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training, alongside the support of the Sustainable Transitions management and supervisory team. Scholars are also part of the University of Essex’s Centre for Environment and Society, offering events, networking, and a broader research community.
Funding includes a home tuition fee waiver, a living costs stipend at the UKRI recommended level of £21,805 per year for 2026-27, and a £10,000 research allowance for authorised research costs such as supplies, equipment, and fieldwork.
Eligibility is restricted to UK domiciled applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree and who come from a low-income household background and/or meet one of the specified ethnicity criteria. The post is aimed at candidates with a background in law; prior training in development studies, government, business, or economics is not required because relevant training will be provided on the programme.
Deadline: 11:59 pm BST on Monday 14 September 2026.
Apply: through the University of Essex research opportunities page.
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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