University of Portsmouth PhD Scholarship in Geography 2026-2027

The University of Portsmouth is calling for applications for this scholarship which seeks to deconstruct environmental habit forming in early childhood in order to develop an effective early years water literacy programme to help address the real-world problem of water scarcity and damage to ecologically sensitive and globally unique freshwater environments. 

This project has a start date of October 2026.

The work on this project could involve:

• Developing an understanding of human behaviour and implementing behaviour change in relation to water consumption.
• Developing an innovative multi-strand child-led and adult-led methodology for examining water-related knowledge and behaviours.
• Working with water industry and early childhood professionals to shape best practice in water consumption.
• Co-producing toolkit(s) for parents and care/educational providers for increasing water literacy.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 16, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Portsmouth
• City to studyPortsmouth
• School to studyUniversity of Portsmouth
• Course to studyGeography
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Candidates applying for this project may be eligible to compete for one of a small number of bursaries available.
• Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26).
• Bursary recipients will also receive a £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables.

Requirements

• This funded PhD is only open to new students who do not hold a previous doctoral level qualification.
• You will need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
• University of Portsmouth encourage people with a geography and/or social science background to apply. Applicants should be passionate about environmental issues and behaviour change, and have experience of working with children. An enhanced DBS check is essential. Applicants must be open to the use of creative methods with children and adults.

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please note that email applications are not accepted. If you have any project-specific questions please contact Dr Tara Woodyer ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please use this online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code ELS50570126 when applying.

For more details, visit University of Portsmouth University Scholarship webpage