PhD Studentship: Political Economy of the Environment and Development

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)  

We particularly welcome applications from candidates with a good degree that includes substantial exposure to the political economy of environment and development. For example, the successful applicant would undertake a relevant master's degree, such as: 

1. MSc Environmental Futures with Climate Change 
2. MSc Political Economy 
3. MSc Political Science 

The UK’s Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan sets out a range of industry specific initiatives to unlock the economic benefits of the green economy and reach the country’s net zero goals by 2050. This project explores how these and other green industrial policies reshape development opportunities and the potential for international cooperation, focusing on inequalities, risk exposure, the resilience of supply chains at both regional and global levels.   

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods

This project brings together ideas from political science, development studies, political economy, and economics. Using methods from these subjects, the project will produce knowledge how green industrial policies affect people, how political and economic institutions change as a result of these policies, who the winners and losers are and what might happen in the future.  

Training and Support

You will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training program, which offers training in interdisciplinary research, 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 law / international law. 

It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in international development or environmental governance 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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