PhD Studentship: The role of international economic law in environmental policy

Project Overview

This is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded masters 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 from the host institution  

 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 masters degree, such as: 

1. LLM in Public International Law 
2. LLM in Law, Environment and Sustainability 
3. LLM in International Human Rights Law and Economic Law 

International economic law has a dynamic relationship with environmental policy making. This  research project will investigate how international economic law, including soft or hard law facilitates or hinders environmental policy decision-making, outputs and effectiveness. The research will be expected to investigate these questions in the broader context of a global policy crisis in which environmental, economic and national security challenges intersect and amplify one another. It is therefore increasingly necessary to investigate how the different constituent parts of international economic law relate to environmental policy owing to a changing international landscape where trade, investment, finance, the environment and international politics are inextricably connected. 

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods

A synthesised approach using the disciplines of Law and Government is needed to further our understanding of international economic law and environmental governance. A mixed-methods design including among others legal analysis and analysis of secondary data will be needed for this project.  

Training and Support

You will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of Proficio which entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally Sustainable Transitions scholars are entitled to £10,000 that can be used to cover research costs and further training. Scholars are encouraged to audit masters and degree level course where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team, as well as your own supervisory team.  All Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available.  

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in law with an interest in political science. However, experience in political science is not necessary and the postgraduate year provide the successful applicant with  essential training in research methods. 

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.  

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