University of Essex
Closing soon
1 month ago
PhD Studentship: The Relationship between Legal and Economic Interventions for Effective Climate Adaptation Strategies University of Essex in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 14, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Essex
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About this position
This is a fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Essex under the Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme. The project explores the relationship between legal and economic interventions for effective climate adaptation strategies, with a strong interdisciplinary emphasis on how law, policy, finance, investment, and governance can support adaptation responses.
The research focuses on urgent climate adaptation challenges affecting many countries and communities, including storms, flooding, sea-level rise, desertification, drought, and crop failure. The project aims to examine where existing framework laws support adaptation and where gaps remain, particularly in relation to financing, investment, and infrastructure development. The successful applicant will contribute to research that seeks practical and effective solutions for climate adaptation through analysis of legal frameworks alongside economic and governance mechanisms.
The studentship includes a home tuition fee waiver, a living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level (£21,805 for 2026-27), and a £10,000 research allowance for authorised research costs such as supplies, equipment, and fieldwork. The programme also provides wider training support through interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars can access additional support through Proficio for training courses, and scholars join the University of Essex’s Centre for Environment and Society for events and networking.
Eligibility is targeted to a person from an underrepresented group. Applicants must be UK domiciled, not already hold a master’s degree, and be from a low-income household background and/or meet specified ethnicity criteria listed in the advert. The successful candidate is expected to have a degree/background in law and to develop expertise in international environmental law. Prior training in development studies, government, business, or economics is not required because relevant training will be provided on the programme.
The project area is broadly defined, giving the applicant scope to shape a specific research proposal in consultation with the supervisory team. The closing date is 14 September 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must be UK domiciled, not already hold a master's degree, and be from a low-income household background (for example evidenced by a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during undergraduate study) and/or belong to specified underrepresented 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 opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/background in law, and the successful candidate is expected to develop knowledge of international environmental law. Prior training in development studies, government, business, or economics is not required.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Essex application link provided in the advert. Prepare a research proposal broadly aligned with legal and economic interventions for climate adaptation, and develop it further with the supervisory team if shortlisted. Submit before 11:59 pm BST on 14 September 2026.
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