University of Essex
4 days ago
PhD Studentship: Waste Management - Towards Sustainability 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
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About this position
PhD Studentship: Waste Management - Towards Sustainability at the University of Essex is a fully funded opportunity within the Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme. This 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 area is broadly defined around waste management and sustainability, giving the successful applicant room to shape a focused proposal. Possible directions include sustainable waste management in sensitive ecosystems, the role of state and non-state actors in waste governance, connections between waste management and human rights to health or water, and the assessment of technological innovations in waste management. The project is intended to be interdisciplinary, drawing primarily on law while also engaging with life sciences.
The study will be jointly supervised by faculty members from the Law and Life Sciences departments. Scholars will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training programme, which includes training in interdisciplinary research methods and in the secondary discipline relevant to the project. Additional support comes through Proficio, providing £2,500 for training courses, and a further £10,000 research allowance for costs such as supplies, equipment, fieldwork, and other approved research or training needs. A home tuition fee waiver and a living costs stipend at the UKRI recommended level are also included.
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 one of the specified ethnic backgrounds listed in the advert. The post is aimed at candidates with a background in law and an interest in life sciences and environmental sciences; an interest in South Asia or another region of the Global South is desirable, and prior hard-science training is not required.
The project area is open enough for the successful applicant to develop a tailored research proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team. The student will also join the University of Essex Centre for Environment and Society. The deadline shown is 14 September 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Only UK-domiciled applicants may apply. Applicants must not already have a master's degree and must be from a low-income household background (for example, having received a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during undergraduate study) and/or be from one of the listed ethnic background 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 suits a candidate with a degree/background in law and an interest in life sciences and environmental sciences; an interest in South Asia or another region of the Global South is desirable, and prior training in the hard sciences is not necessary.
How to apply
Use the application link to apply online for the Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Essex. Prepare a research proposal on waste management within the broad themes described and develop it in consultation with the supervisory team. Ensure you meet the UK-domicile, degree, and background criteria before applying.
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