Program Overview

Sustainability PhD

Overview

Pursue your research degree with an internationally known institute that works with influential partners, including government and industry.

Full Description

Established in early 2011, the Global Sustainability Institute’s core research questions are based around personal motivations and systems change, in relation to sustainability.

This translates into three key research areas:

• Consumption & Change
• Global Risk & Resilience
• Education for Sustainability.

We collaborate with departments throughout Anglia Ruskin, as well as with numerous external organisations, including the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Mott Macdonald and Lloyd’s of London

It’s an inspiring environment in which to conduct research and influence the world – and we can offer you high-quality supervision from influential figures in the sustainability field.

Supervision and Support

We can accommodate many research proposals. Our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds, including economics, geography, international relations, psychology, sociology, environmental social science, communications, mathematics and computer modelling.

Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:

• Prof Aled Jones – climate finance and policy, resource risk and political fragility
• Prof Alison Greig – the role of education (people, processes, infrastructure) in creating a more sustainable future
• Prof Rosie Robison – sustainable consumption, personal change, self-reflection, community groups
• Prof Chris Foulds – consumption, energy, built environment, sociotechnical change, practices
• Dr Davide Natalini – environmental security, complex social-ecological systems, and energy transitions.
• Dr Zareen Bharucha – rural change and resource use, resource governance, sustainability and well-being, and urban change
• Dr Melanie Rohse – everyday experiences of energy, water extremes and resilience, interdisciplinary research, and stories, narratives and co-production
• Dr Sarah Royston – creative writing and sustainability, narrative methodologies, and application of social practice theories to sustainability issues
• Dr Lara Houston – grassroots social change, creative practice in sustainability, and repair practice/citizen led practice
• Dr Philippa Calver – justice and just transitions, energy systems, education as a lever for change, futures thinking

The GSI staff are joined by visiting fellows - and we can call on the expertise of specialists throughout ARU to support the interdisciplinary aspects of your work.

Where You'll Research

Your Faculty

The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.

Where Can I Study?

• Cambridge

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

• UK students, 2024/25 (per year): £4,786
• UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £2,392
• International students, 2024/25 (per year): £15,900
• International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £7,950

Bench Fees

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

1. £500
2. £1,200
3. £2,200
4. £4,500
5. £8,900

PhD by Published Work

• Initial registration: £1,500
• Full registration: £4,500

Writing Up Fees 2024/25

• £1,200

Careers

Our students are closely involved in the Institute’s activities, including research seminars, producing our ‘So What?’ magazine, our annual conference, journal club and public engagement events.

We’ll also provide comprehensive research training in areas such as academic writing and publishing, research methods, subject developments, data analysis, conference skills and presentation.

There’ll be good networking opportunities too. Our partners include the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Skanska, Mott Macdonald, Atkins, the Green Economy Coalition, Renewable Energy & International Law, Lloyd’s of London, Willis Re, Vivid Economics and the Cambridge Cleantech Consortium.

Entry Requirements

• MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelor degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
• PhD: You’ll need a Master degree or equivalent in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.