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- Tasks: Conduct research on climate adaptation strategies for farming in the Usk Valley.
- Company: University of Gloucestershire's Countryside and Community Research Institute.
- Benefits: Fully funded studentship with access to expert supervision and resources.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to engage with local farming communities and influence policy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate adaptation while collaborating with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and a passion for environmental planning.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 ÂŁ per year.
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 collaborative studentship is entitled: 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, Dr Aimee Morse (CCRI, University of Gloucestershire), Dr Sarah Jones (Welsh Government), and Professor Bridget Emmett (UKCEH).
PhD aims
- Understand perceived impacts of climate change on farms and their business models in the catchment.
- Deliberate using qualitative and catchment-level climate data in Climate Fresk strategies for climate adaptation at farm and catchment scales.
- Share findings and recommendations for learning with farming and rural policy advisors, and validate a Climate Fresk climate-adaptation game for Welsh farming systems.
The student will utilise the farming community’s tacit knowledge and local climate data from the River Usk catchment to develop a Climate Fresk that translates everyday farming realities into a set of strategies for climate adaptation across the farming system. The PhD will adapt the Climate Fresk – a serious game designed to inform the public about climate change and consider solutions for the future – to engage farmers in connecting their farm systems.
Key dates
- Interview date: 14th 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) with the subject line “Reference 2022 072 04 Application”.
- Covering letter – two pages maximum: address to Professor Damian Maye and name the collaborative studentship being applied for.
- Two academic or professional references – the applicant must approach referees themselves and include references that detail the applicant’s research strengths.
- Degree certificates and transcripts – including translations if applicable.
- Proof of English language competency, if relevant – see institutional requirements for entry.
PHD Studentship - CCRI employer: University of Gloucestershire
Contact Detail:
University of Gloucestershire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PHD Studentship - CCRI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your potential supervisors or anyone involved in the project. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in making you memorable.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in climate adaptation and farming systems. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background and skills align with the PhD project. We want to see how you can contribute to the team and the research goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
We think you need these skills to ace PHD Studentship - CCRI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Cover Letter Spot On: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it’s addressed to Professor Damian Maye and clearly states the studentship you’re applying for. Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and let your passion for the project come through.
References Matter: Don’t forget to line up two solid references! Approach your referees early and ensure they can speak to your research strengths. A good reference can really make your application stand out, so choose wisely!
Check Your Documents: Before hitting send, double-check that you’ve included all required documents. This includes your degree certificates, transcripts, and proof of English language competency if needed. Incomplete applications won’t be considered, so let’s avoid that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Gloucestershire
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of your proposed PhD project. Understand the key themes around climate adaptation and how they relate to the Usk Valley. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the subject.
✨Engage with the Supervisory Team
Familiarise yourself with the work of the supervisory team members. Knowing their research interests and recent publications can help you connect your ideas with theirs during the interview, making a strong impression.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the project, the collaborative aspects, or the methodologies involved. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You might need to present your ideas clearly and concisely. Practising your presentation skills can help you articulate your thoughts better and make your case more compelling during the interview.