PhD Studentship: Doctoral Studentship in Storytelling Education for Sustainability (UNESCO Chair’s Programme)

Project details

The UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability, hosted by the Storytelling Academy in the School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University, invites applications for a 3-year fully-funded PhD studentship, starting in October 2026, from suitably qualified candidates.

The UNESCO Chair, held by Professor Mike Wilson, was established in June 2025 and is proposing an ambitious programme of impactful research, teaching and training with geographical foci in Africa, India and the Arctic Nations. This studentship will make an important contribution to the delivery of the Chair’s programme. More information on the UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability can be found here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/design-creative-arts/unesco-chair/; and further information on the work of the Storytelling Academy can be found here: https://storytellingacademy.education/.

Loughborough University’s main campus lies on the edge of Charnwood Forest Geopark (https://www.charnwoodforest.org/), a candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark status and we invite research proposals around the theme of Storytelling, Sustainability, Education and Landscape, with a particular focus on storytelling and its application to the work of Charnwood Forest Geopark, the UNESCO Global Geoparks and/or other UNESCO designations, such as Biospheres, Creative Cities and World Heritage Sites. We are particularly interested in proposals that reflect how the researcher will engage creatively with the work of the UNESCO Chair and use this as a platform to engage more widely with the global network of UNESCO designations, especially in the focal areas of the Chair’s programme, as well as the UK.

How to Apply

Applicants should propose projects that reflect the objectives of the UNESCO Chair, and address one or more of the following themes: storytelling, education and sustainability; storytelling and landscape; geoparks and storytelling.

Applications require a research proposal and shortlisted applicants will be interviewed. They will be assessed through the following criteria:

• Minimum qualification: master’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• Relevant subject-specific background
• Relevance of proposal to UNESCO themes
• Ability to critically analyse and synthesise information

For further details please contact Professor Mike Wilson. For support with your application please contact Sdca-pgr@lboro.ac.uk or Loughborough University’s Doctoral College.

All applications should be made online via the above 'Apply' button. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme ‘Creative Arts’. Please quote the advertised reference number UNESCO-26 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. 

Entry requirements:

Minimum qualification: master’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience

Additional Funding Information 

The UNESCO studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (25/26 rate) plus tuition fees at the UK rate.

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