At a Glance
- Tasks: Undertake a fully funded masters and PhD in sustainability policy.
- Company: University of Essex, leading in interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: All tuition fees covered, annual stipend, and research funding.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent training and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transitions at various levels.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in political science or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to undertake a fully funded masters’ degree and an interdisciplinary PhD under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex. (All tuition fees are covered and an annual stipend provided throughout the Masters and PhD phases.)
The purpose of this programme is to train the next generation of interdisciplinary scholars with the skills and expertise to contribute to ‘sustainable transitions’ at local, national and international levels.
Applicants with an undergraduate degree in political science or a related subject are invited to put forward a proposal for a PhD research project in the field of environment and sustainability as it relates to government or political science. The successful applicant will then undertake the following masters degree commencing in January 2027 and further develop their research proposal before proceeding to the PhD phase:
- MA Politics
- MPP Master of Public Policy
You are invited to submit a 1000 word (max) project area proposal that describes the area that you wish to research. This call for proposals 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 during the masters’ year and further during the PhD phase.
In your proposal you should identify ONE of the following four disciplines that you would like to integrate into your research to ensure that your project is interdisciplinary in nature: Law, Business, Sociology, or Life Science. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge of this additional discipline as you will be given training when you commence your PhD.
You will receive a range of training and opportunities in the Masters’ phase of the programme. When you commence the PhD phase you will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training programme, 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 team and your supervisory team. Additionally, all scholars can join the University of Essex’s ‘Centre for Environment and Society,’ which provides events and networking opportunities.
Only UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply:
- Not already have a Master’s degree.
- 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)
Funding Details:
- Home tuition fee waiver.
- Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2026-27 is £21,805.
- 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
Fully Funded Sustainability Policy PhD & Masters in Colchester employer: University of Essex
The University of Essex offers a vibrant and supportive work environment for Nursing Education Lecturers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities, including professional training and research initiatives. Located in the picturesque town of Colchester, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to beautiful surroundings and a thriving academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fully Funded Sustainability Policy PhD & Masters in Colchester
✨Dive into Sustainability Events!
Check out local sustainability and environmental management events or workshops. They’re a great way to meet industry professionals, pick up insights, and even get the inside scoop on internship opportunities that might not be advertised yet!
✨Get Involved in Green Initiatives!
Volunteer for local environmental groups or sustainability initiatives. Not only will this bolster your CV, but it also gives you a chance to connect with like-minded folks who can help you find internships, including valuable leads for roles at companies like University of Essex!
✨Showcase Your Passion Online!
Create a blog or social media profile dedicated to sustainability topics. This not only showcases your passion but also displays your knowledge and commitment to potential employers. It can make you stand out to companies like University of Essex when they're looking for interns!
✨Use University Resources Wisely!
Don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have connections with companies offering internships in environmental management. Get in touch with them to discover potential opportunities that they might be linked with, including those at University of Essex!
We think you need these skills to ace Fully Funded Sustainability Policy PhD & Masters in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for the internship at University of Essex, it's essential to showcase your genuine interest in sustainability and environmental management. Use your cover letter to share any related projects or volunteer experiences, perhaps mentioning specific initiatives or organisations that inspired you. This will help us see your commitment to the cause!
Showcase Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV emphasises skills relevant to sustainability, like knowledge of environmental laws, data analysis, and project management. If you've taken any environmental science courses or certifications, include those too! We love to see how your academic background applies to our field.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:Don't just send off a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application specifically to the internship at University of Essex. Use keywords from the job description to ensure we're on the same page and can see how you fit into our team. This attention to detail can really make you stand out.
Be Open About Your Learning Goals:As this is an internship, we’re looking for candidates who are eager to learn. In your cover letter, share what you hope to gain from this experience at University of Essex. Highlight how this internship aligns with your career aspirations in sustainability. This will show us that you’re not just in it for the job, but for growth!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Essex
✨Know Your Sustainability Jargon
Brush up on key terms and concepts in sustainability and environmental management—think carbon footprints, circular economy, and sustainability reporting. This could come in handy during the interview, particularly if you're asked to discuss recent trends or to explain how you would approach a specific environmental challenge.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
If you've done any relevant coursework, personal projects, or volunteer work focusing on sustainability, be ready to showcase them. Having specific examples to discuss not only shows your passion but also gives you a chance to illustrate your hands-on experience. Think about what you've learned and how it relates to the internship at University of Essex.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Dive deep into how the role of a sustainability intern fits into the bigger picture at University of Essex. It’s a great idea to understand what projects you might be involved in and how your contributions could make a difference in their sustainability goals. Make it clear that you’re not just in it for the experience, but that you genuinely want to add value.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Motivation
As this is an internship, it's all about potential. Be prepared to articulate why you're interested in sustainability and what drives you to be part of the environmental management sector. They want to hear your enthusiasm and what you've done to build your knowledge, whether through academic courses, clubs, or other connections in the field.
