PhD Studentship: The Relationship between Legal and Economic Interventions for Effective Climate Adaptation Strategies

The University of Essex offers a fully funded PhD Studentship focusing on the relationship between legal and economic interventions for climate adaptation. This opportunity is targeted at UK domiciled individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those without a master's degree and from low-income households. The project emphasizes interdisciplinary research combining law and economic strategies to address climate change adaptation, supported by training and networking opportunities.
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:



LLM Law

The subsequent PhD project would focus on the relationship between legal and economic interventions concerning climate change adaptation. Owing to the recognition that many countries and communities are needing to adapt rapidly to climate related events such as storms, flooding, sea-level rise, desertification, drought and crop failure there is now much greater pressure for legal and policy interventions. Many countries have framework laws that provide for adaptation but there are significant gaps in areas relating to financing, investment and infrastructure development. This means that there is an urgent need for more research relating to the law and policy that would contribute to effective climate change mitigation in that space. This project would undertake analysis in this field to contribute to the provision of practical and effective solutions.


Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods


The interdisciplinarity of this project lies at researching the interface between the development of law that is required to respond adequately to climate change adaptation and the economic requirement to invest in appropriate responses. This means that the project will involve legal analysis combined with analysis of a variety of different types of adaptation mechanisms such as investment, financial and governance strategies that can be employed, but which require legal frameworks to function effectively.


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 law and the successful candidate will be expected to develop their knowledge of international environmental law. It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in development studies, government, business or economics as any relevant training 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.


Funding Details





Home tuition fee waiver.


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


Closing Date: 11:59 pm BST on Monday 14th September 2026

£21,805. Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2026-27 is £21,805.