PhD Studentship: Investigating Fake News Related to Climate Change

Project Overview

This is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded master’s degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.  

Only UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply: 

• Not already have a Master’s degree.  

 And

• Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by, for example, being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies.  

And/or  

Be one of the following categories of ethnicity:  

• Black African  
• Black Caribbean 
• Black Other  
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean  
• Mixed – White and Black African  
• Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)  

The successful applicant would study an appropriate master’s degree, such as: 

1. MSc Data Science 
2. MSc in Social Data Science 

This project explores quantitative techniques that identify fake news within the climate change domain. The techniques are based on statistical and computational approaches, including machine learning algorithms. The project aims first to contribute to the prevention of fake news reducing the adverse societal and economic impacts of decisions and behaviour driven by false information, and second to assess its impact on environmental policy.  

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods 

As digitalisation affects society overall, there is a significant need to synthesise techniques to evaluate digital information and its impact on environmental policy. Specifically, the project requires an understanding of climate change and policy making plus a background knowledge of Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning.

Training and Support

You will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training program, which offers interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars also have access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training. You may audit relevant courses and will be supported by both the Sustainable Transitions management and your supervisory team. Additionally, all scholars join the University of Essex’s ‘Centre for Environment and Society,’ providing events and networking opportunities. 

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in Business Analytics/Data Science with some experience of dealing with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML).  

It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in Government and political science research methods as this will be provided on the programme. 

Research Proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team.  

Additional Funding Information

Home tuition fee waiver.  

Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2025-26 is £20,780. The stipend for 2026-27 is TBA.

A research allowance of £10,000 (in total) to be spent on authorised research costs, for example supplies and equipment, fieldwork etc. 

Closing Date: 11:59pm GMT on Monday 13^th April 2026

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