This funded PhD studentship is an exciting opportunity to conduct new social-ecological research on perceptions of urban blue space. Despite often appearing to be natural systems, urban blue space is increasingly planned, managed, and engineered. New research is needed to understand how such areas, and particularly their dynamic nature, influence perceptions and decision-making. The studentship covers fees and stipend for a home (UK) student with funding provided by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme. Options exist for PhD and Master + PhD routes for study.
Whilst often appearing to be natural systems, urban blue space is increasingly planned, managed, and engineered: blue spaces introduced on ecological grounds, nature-based infrastructure interventions to manage flood risk, and highly managed river restoration schemes, for example. They are also highly dynamic, exhibiting both rapid, short-term, spatio-temporal change (e.g. seasonality), through to slower, longer-term, evolution (e.g. vegetation and morphological change). For some, blue spaces may be perceived as ‘wasted space’, whilst highly engineered systems may be perceived as natural. For others, blue space may represent a trusted form of flood protection or contribute to the sense of place and pride in an area.
This exciting PhD studentship will investigate how the dynamic form and function of urban blue spaces influence perceptions. It will subsequently explore and evaluate the types of information and knowledge required to improve the understanding and appreciation of urban blue spaces, before investigating the implications for urban decision-making and resilience.
The PhD researcher will have flexibility in the design and implementation of the project, adjusting the focus based on their interests and the latest research findings. However, we envisage that it will build on the NERC Defragmenting the Urban Environment (DEFRAG) project, which used Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes – urban areas featuring a diverse range of blue space and urban geographies – as case studies, and activities linked to the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Arc.
The PhD researcher will join a dynamic group of interdisciplinary researchers in Cranfield Environment Centre and the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which focuses on human-environment interactions in freshwater systems. They will benefit from a lively and supportive community that meets regularly through a variety of formal and informal events (e.g. fieldtrips, seminars, communities of practice meetings, reading groups). The knowledge, skills and experiences gained in this project will support careers in academia, environmental consultancy or environmental governance and management.
If you are passionate about the natural environment and want to help realise positive change in urban areas by working collaboratively with people, then please get in touch.
At a glance
- Application deadline25 Feb 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years full time
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0035
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The project would be ideal for a geographer, environmental scientist or social scientist interested in how humans perceive, interact and influence the natural environment. The successful applicant should be interested in applying social science approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) to an environmental setting. However, we welcome applicants from a range of disciplines and experiences, who have a passion for environmental research and strong written and oral communication skills, as we can complete existing strengths with targeted training.
Funding
Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£20,780; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Simon Jude
Email: s.jude@cranfield.ac.uk
