Adapting for change: deliberative approaches to farm system climate adaptation in the Usk Valley

The University of Gloucestershire offers a fully funded PhD studentship focused on climate adaptation in farm systems within the Usk Valley. This collaborative research project aims to engage farmers in developing strategies for climate adaptation using qualitative data and the 'Climate Fresk' method. Applicants should have a background in social sciences. The position includes a mandatory 3-month research placement and is set to begin in October 2026.
The Countryside and Community Research Institute at University of Gloucestershire are delighted to offer a fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentship in the Environmental Planning Pathway starting in October 2026.

The following collaborative studentship is available:

Adapting for change: deliberative approaches to farm system climate adaptation in the Usk Valley (in collaboration with Welsh Government and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology)

The Supervisory team consists of: Professor Damian Maye, Dr Philippa Simmonds and Dr Aimee Morse (Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire), Dr Sarah Jones (adviser, Welsh Government), and Professor Bridget Emmett (adviser, UKCEH).

The PhD aims to: firstly, understand perceived impacts of climate change on farms and their business models in the catchment; secondly, deliberate (using qualitative and catchment-level climate data in a ‘climate fresk’) strategies for climate adaptation (farm and catchment scales); and thirdly, share findings and recommendations for learning with farming rural policy advisors and to validate a ‘climate fresk’ (climate adaptation) game for Welsh farming systems.

Climate politics can overlook the wider benefits climate action brings to farms on resilience grounds (McGuire et al., 2021; Ward et al., 2025). Resilient agriculture is enhanced by the integration of formal and informal knowledge (Šumane et al., 2021). Therefore, the PhD will utilise the farming community's tacit knowledge and local climate data for the River Usk catchment in south Wales, to develop a ‘climate fresk’ to translate everyday farming realities into a set of strategies for climate adaptation across the farming system.

The PhD will adapt a method called ‘Climate Fresk’ (https://climatefresk.org/world/), a serious game designed to inform the public about climate change and consider solutions for the future. Here, an adapted version will be designed to engage farmers in connecting their farm systems and business models with catchment-level climate adaptation. The PhD works at catchment scale, focusing on the River Usk. It will engage the existing catchment partnership, work with farmers, farm advisors and stakeholders to gather participatory insights, farm business records and climate datasets from UKCEH to develop and deliver a ‘climate fresk’.

Applicants are welcomed with a background in a range of social sciences, including: rural studies, environmental management, sociology and human geography. These studentships are ‘collaborative’ awards, with significant links to non-academic organisations.

Applicants should take careful consideration of the working title and description of the project and may wish to contact the named supervisor for a discussion prior to applying.

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

For more information on the project please contact Damian Maye – dmaye@glos.ac.uk

Entry Criteria: 

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

Duration of study:

Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 4.5 (MSc + PhD) years full-time (or part-time equivalent). The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.  

Research in practice placement:

All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.

International Eligibility:

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:  

WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Location:

The successful candidate will be based in the Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire. Students with a requirement to first undertake the Masters research training prior to starting the PhD will be based in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University initially.

Assessment:

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which are expected to take place on 14 May 2026. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation on their relevant research skills and PhD proposal ideas, as well as answering a series of panel questions. The successful applicant can expect to hear by the end of May 2026.

How to apply:

Applications should be received no later than Midnight on 6 May 2026, including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applications should be submitted to Chris Rayfield (crayfield@glos.ac.uk) stating the reference ‘2022-072-04 Application’ as the subject.

Incomplete applications or applications received after this specified time will not be accepted. Please include the following documents with your application:

Covering letter (two pages maximum): Please address to Professor Damian Maye. The covering letter must name the collaborative studentship being applied for. WGSSS Application Form Academic CV (two pages maximum)  2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths).  Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable) If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)