Funding

Self-funded

Project code

GEOG1331015

Department

School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

This research into Urban Ecological Networks explores the quality and connectivity of urban habitats, including Green Infrastructure (GI) and urban green spaces.

You'll examine successful species, help develop best planning practice, and your research will cross boundaries, into areas such as ecology and environmental geography, social science, civil engineering and biochemistry.

The programme is self-funded, and supervised by Dr Heather Rumble, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Geography.

The work will include:

  • Examining key indicator organisms, such as invertebrates and soil microarthropods
  • Modelling the distribution of these organisms
  • Performing manipulative experiments to understand best planning practise for providing urban habitat
  • Analysing population distributions of highly mobile, successful urban species

Green Infrastructure (GI) and urban green spaces are increasingly used within spatial planning, and seen in national, regional and local planning strategies.

The aim of this research is investigate the theory that urban green spaces and GI are extremely variable in quality, and that use of GI is limited to highly mobile species.

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry Requirements

  • A good first degree from an internationally recognised university (depending on the course, minimum second class or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject
  • Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0
  • All applicants are subject to interview

Make an enquiry

For administrative and admissions enquiries please contact sci-pgr-enquiries@port.ac.uk.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Geography (Physical and Human) PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. 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.