PhD Studentship in Planning/Landscape: The Environmental Impacts of Housing Development

Award Summary

A tax-free stipend paid monthly of £20,780 per year, for up to 3 years (or part time equivalent) plus home fees. The studentship is only open to applicants with a home tuition fees status.

Overview

Accelerating global urbanisation is having significant detrimental impacts on human and non-human species and environments. This is an intellectual and practical challenge in cities globally as governments struggle to meet the needs of growing populations with increasing demands on natural resources. Suites of concepts for environmental policy have been embraced by the planning profession to promote sustainable cities. However, most approaches have fault-lines: they separate ‘humans’ from ‘nature’ thus failing to account for mutual interdependence, and view land as a commodity to be owned and exploited, failing to recognise it as a vital resource for ecosystems and communities to flourish together. Recent concepts, like nature-based thinking and degrowth have shifted academic thinking towards more eco-centric approaches. However, the impact on policy and practice is limited.

Responding to this context, the successful candidate will shape a research project that assesses the socio-ecological impact of large-scale housing development.

The candidate will have a background in Planning, Landscape, Geography or related discipline, or have relevant work experience. They will have knowledge of social science research methods and the ability to analyse data from a range of sources. The ability to work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

September 2026

Award Duration

Funding for 3 years or part time equivalent.

Application Closing Date

5pm, Friday 6th March 2026 

Sponsor

School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

Supervisors

Dr Julia Heslop and Dr Andrew Donaldson

Eligibility Criteria

The studentship is only open to applicants with a home tuition fees status.

Applicants must have:

• A 1st class or 2:1 honours undergraduate degree and a Masters degree in Planning, Landscape, Geography or a related Social Sciences subject. If the student does not hold a masters degree then relevant work experience may be taken into account.
• IELTS 6.5 overall (with 6.0 in all sub-skills) if your first language is not English. 

How To Apply

You must send the covering letter, CV and research proposal by email to APLPGR@ncl.ac.uk with code APL039 as the email subject.  

You should also apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. To do this please ‘complete an online application’.

You will need to:

• insert the programme code 8160F in the programme of study section
• select ‘PhD School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape – Planning’ as the programme of study
• insert the studentship code APL039 in the studentship/partnership reference field
• attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must quote reference code APL039 and outline your ability to undertake a suitable project in planning.
• attach a 1,000 word research proposal. This should include a proposed research strategy that includes a rationale for the study and possible methodological directions.

Contact Details

Dr Julia Heslop: julia.heslop@newcastle.ac.uk

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