PhD Studentship : (UK fees only) in Real Estate and Planning

PhD Studentship (UK fees only) in Real Estate and Planning

Project title:  The governance of local active travel infrastructures: a participatory research project.

Department/School: Real Estate and Planning, Henley Business School

Supervisors:  Dr Emma Street and Prof Gavin Parker

Project Overview: Using a governance lens and participatory methods, this project involves local stakeholders and researchers working together to develop better understanding of decision-making processes in the provision of active travel infrastructure. The project will address research questions such as, why are some schemes prioritised over others? What mechanisms exist to evaluate whether schemes are successful (or not)? What lessons can be learned from existing schemes locally and elsewhere to improve outcomes? The research will pay particular attention to how user-needs and experiences are integrated into infrastructure provision processes via engagement tools ranging from formal consultation to more innovative participatory approaches such as co-design and digital technologies.

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport. 

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, as well as receiving specialist supervision.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a master’s degree at distinction or merit level from an internationally recognised university, in spatial planning, urban geography or a related subject, and an equally strong undergraduate degree in related subject areas.
• Applicants should have experience of having conducted relevant research and/or have undertaken relevant (e.g. paid professional) work. This being related to active travel would be advantageous. Please point to this when sending CV/statement (see below).
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK applicants only.

Funding Details:   

• Starts September 2025
• Funding covers full tuition UK (Home) student fees only for up to 4 years full-time or up to a maximum of 6 years if studying on a part-time (0.5 FTE) basis

How to apply:  

Send a copy of your CV and a 300-word statement about why you are interested in this PhD project to: e.j.street@reading.ac.uk by the stated application deadline. Please state your preference regarding full or part-time study.

To apply click Apply for a Programme and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. During the application process please select the PhD in Real Estate and Planning.

*Important notes*

• 1) Please quote the reference ‘DRC25-022’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
• 2) If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline:  Friday 11 July 2025

Further Enquiries:  Please contact Dr Emma Street by email: e.j.street@reading.ac.uk

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.

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