Water Literacy PhD Studentship 2026 at University of Portsmouth

This fully funded PhD at the University of Portsmouth focuses on developing an early years water literacy programme to address water scarcity and promote sustainable water use. The project will deconstruct environmental habits formed in early childhood, exploring social, cultural, and emotional influences on water-related behaviours. Students will co-produce toolkits for parents, care providers, and educators and work closely with water industry and early childhood professionals. This research aims to improve sustainable water practices, inform policy, and enhance environmental education.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
2. Value: Fully funded – Tuition + £20,780 annual stipend + £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables
3. Study Level: PhD (3 years full-time)
4. Sponsor: University of Portsmouth
5. Course to Study: Towards a Water Literate Society: Deconstructing Environmental Habit Forming in Early Childhood
6. Eligible Country: UK & International students

Eligibility Criteria for Water Literacy PhD Studentship 2026 at University of Portsmouth

1. This funded PhD is only open to new students who do not hold a previous doctoral-level qualification.
2. You will need a good first degree from an internationally recognized 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.
3. The University of Portsmouth encourages people with a geography and/or social science background to apply. Applicants should be passionate about environmental issues and behavior 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.

Benefits of Water Literacy PhD Studentship 2026 at University of Portsmouth

1. 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).
2. Bursary recipients will also receive £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables.
3. Costs for a student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by this bursary. For further guidance and advice, visit our international and EU students ‘Visa FAQs’ page.

How to Apply

Please note that email applications are not accepted. If you have any project-specific questions, please contact Dr Tara Woodyer (tara.woodyer@port.ac.uk) 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

Application Deadline

January 16, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Water Literacy PhD Studentship 2026 at University of Portsmouth