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20 Dissertation Topics on Sustainability and Green Technology

Published by Carmen Troy at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On May 17, 2024

Introduction

Looking for interesting and manageable topics on sustainability and green technology for your dissertation or thesis? Well, you have come to the right place.

The subject of sustainability, green technology, and environmental friendliness has gained tremendous importance over the last few years – thanks to the ever-increasing pollution, climate change, and high production costs throughout the world.

Without wasting any more of your time, here are the 20+ dissertation topic ideas in this trendy field so you can choose the one that is not only intriguing but also manageable for you.

These topics have been developed by PhD writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the topic, research question, aim and objectives, literature review, and the proposed methodology of research to be conducted. Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics here.

Latest Research Topics on Sustainability and Green Technology

Topic 1: the role of artificial intelligence (ai) and green technology in the develpment of smart and sustainable towns.

Research Aim: This study intends to find the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology in developing smart and sustainable towns. It will review the concepts of smart and sustainable towns to show their importance in the modern era to reduce global warming. Then it will assess the role of AI by analysing various machine learning and deep learning models to show how these models can help develop smart and sustainable towns. Lastly, it will review what work has already been done in this area and what should be done.

Topic 2: Impact of Research and Development (R&D) Expenditure in Green Technology on the Sustainability Outcomes of the Construction Industry- A Case of Malaysian Construction Industry

Research Aim: This study intends to analyse the impact of research and revelopment (R&D) expenditure on green technology on the sustainability outcomes of the construction industry in Malaysia. It will review the current green technology used in the Malaysian construction industry and its development. Moreover, it will show how the construction industry is spending to develop new green technology and how much it requires to make it completely sustainable. It will also identify various national and international sources which can invest in this industry to make it more sustainable.

Topic 3: What are the Motivating and Demotivating Factors for Green Supply Chain Practices? An Exploratory Study Finding the Factors Affecting Green Supply Chain Practices in the UK

Research Aim: This research will identify various motivating and demotivating factors (return on green investment, production output, local and global competitiveness, political support, international support, investor support, etc.) for green supply chain practices. It will study various industries in the UK, such as construction, hotel industry, retail industry, etc., find out how the abovementioned factors affected their interest in green technology and green supply chain practices. Moreover, it will assess the work done in this area and how various institutions can motivate these industries.

Topic 4: Influence of Green Advertising on the Consumer View of Green Technology and Sustainability in the US

Research Aim: This study shows the impact of green advertising on the consumer perception of green technology and sustainability. It will assess how various components of green advertising work and how they affect the consumer perception of the need for green technology. Moreover, it will analyse different green advertising strategies used by companies in the US to influence consumer perception and how these strategies can be improved to make US consumers more interested in the products, which are products of an environment-friendly production process.

Topic 5: Green Economy a Necessity? Impact of Green Technology on Sustainable Economic Growth and Development- A Case of ASEAN Economies

Research Aim: It proposes a framework to analyse the impact of green technology on sustainable economic growth and development. It will show whether the green economy is essential for growth and development or not. It will assess various effects of green technology on the economy and ecology. And show how improving ecology can benefit human development, which can be good for long-term economic growth in the ASEAN countries. Lastly, it will analyse the current progress of these countries in creating a green economy.

Topic 6: The Potential of Biomimicry in Green Technology Innovation

Research Aim: This research explores and evaluates the potential applications of biomimicry principles in driving innovation within green technology. The purpose of the study is to enhance sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental conservation.

Topic 7: Circular Economy and its Application in Achieving Sustainability Targets

Research Aim: This study investigates the concept of the circular economy and its practical implementation strategies. It focuses on the effectiveness of the circular economy in facilitating the achievement of sustainability targets across various industries and sectors.

Topic 8: Sustainable Water Management in the Era of Climate Change

Research Aim: This research examines the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable water management in the context of climate change. The study identifies effective strategies, technologies, and policies to ensure resilient and equitable access to clean water resources while mitigating the impacts of climate variability and extreme events.

Topic 9: The Role of Information Technology in Advancing Sustainability Initiatives

Research Aim: This study investigates the multifaceted role of information technology (IT) in advancing sustainability initiatives across various sectors. It explores how IT innovations, such as big data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), blockchain, and AI (Artificial Intelligence), can contribute to enhancing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable development goals.

Topic 10: Corporate Social Responsibility and Green Technology Adoption: A Case Study Analysis

Research Aim: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive case study analysis to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and the adoption of green technologies within organisations. It examines understanding the motivations and outcomes associated with integrating sustainability initiatives into corporate strategies and operations.

Topic 11: Impact of Smart Grid Technologies for Sustainable Energy Management

Research Aim: This research assesses the impact of smart grid technologies on sustainable energy management. The study focuses on understanding how the integration of advanced grid infrastructure, renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and demand-side management techniques contributes to increasing energy efficiency, grid reliability, and environmental sustainability.

COVID-19 Sustainability and Green Technology Research Topics

Topic 1: covid-19 and the need to expand sustainable energy.

Research Aim: It’s high time to expand sustainable energy during COVID-19.

Topic 2: COVID-19 and the environment

Research Aim: This study will focus on the positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 on the environment.

Topic 3: Economic expenditure on the green environment during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will review the economic expenditure and plans for the green environment during COVID-19.

Topic 4: The green economy after COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will analyse the current issues related to green technology and predict the future of a green environment after COVID-19.

Dissertation Topics Ideas on Sustainability and Green Technology on Global Impact

Topic 1: research on sustainable gardens.

Research Aim: This research aims to conduct research on creating sustainable gardens and identify their benefits.

Topic 2: Sustainable outdoor designs using recycled materials

Research Aim: This research aims to identify various methods of creating sustainable outdoor designs using recycled materials and identify their benefits.

Topic 3: Pollution-free disposal and recycling of trash

Research Aim: This research aims to identify various methods to ensure pollution-free disposal and recycling of trash

Topic 4: Importance of gardening- awareness and ideas for the city, terrace/roof gardening

Research Aim: This research aims to address the importance of gardening and its awareness among the public. It will also focus on identifying cost-effective and innovative ideas for the city, as well as terrace/roof gardening.

Topic 5: Examining the economic impacts of green technology

Research Aim: The research will involve comparing the costs incurred in developing green energy and the economic benefits. The services will be saved once alternative forms of materials and energy sources are used. It will be relevant in identifying whether it is worth investing in green technology from an economic perspective. It will also help in developing supportive policies that guide green technology.

Topic 6: How do national and regional politics affect environmental sustainability?

Research Aim: This research study will analyse the role of politics in the environment. It will explore the positive or negative impacts of individual political inclinations.

Topic 7: How sustainable is the environment in the current and forthcoming eras?

Research Aim: This research will analyse global trends and their impacts on environmental trends. Developments such as increasing population, climate change, and using various materials affect the people. It will inform about how sustainability measures can be structured to align with the trends.

Topic 8: Adoption of green energy by low-end users

Research Aim: The research will be based on realising a market niche that cannot afford or are not willing to spend on an expensive product. Additionally, the embrace of some advanced technologies varies across classes, mainly based on exposure. There is also the notion that green technology can be expensive, making the stated users reluctant to use it. Accordingly, the research will focus on the factors that give users their respective levels of green technology use.

Topic 9: How green technology can affect organisational processes

Research Aim: This research will analyse how processes that can include procuring and sourcing, producing, sales, marketing, and delivering products, among others, can be impacted once green technology is introduced. It will help analyse cost and time effectiveness and the satisfaction of the organisation’s stakeholders. It can help recommend structural changes when an organisation is considering green technology.

Topic 10: To what extent does green technology contribute to environmental sustainability?

Research Aim: notably, several factors are contributing to environmental degradation and pollution. While green technology has been identified in previous research to ensure sustainability, its contribution can be compared with other factors. Accordingly, recommendations can be made about whether it is the absolute solution to sustainability.

Topic 11: Green technology and global environmental sustainability frameworks

Research Aim: The study will assess how the frameworks affect the use of green technology. Various global environmental practices are commonly developed. The research will suggest any amendments to the frameworks to positively correlate them with green technology. Also, the topic will evaluate how the frameworks are implemented in various regions.

Topic 12: Green technology practices in developing countries

Research Aim: The research will explore the extent to which developing countries use and promote green technology. They are characterised by having a lower economy. The priority they have on sustainability will be established.

Topic 13: How do policies affect the use of green technology in a country?

Research Aim: The research acknowledges that regulatory bodies devise policies to guide various industries. The guidelines can be supportive or suppressive in the development and use of green technology. For instance, the bodies’ incentives can encourage green technology, while factors like high taxation can discourage it. Therefore, focusing on a particular country’s policies can be insightful into the level at which the technology is incorporated.

Topic 14: Incentives for green technology and environmental sustainability

Research Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine how green technology can be promoted among users and manufacturers. It will first identify the challenges that users can face when using and applying the technology. It will also evaluate the level of sensitisation about green technology that people in a region have. The various stakeholders can execute the incentives for environmental sustainability.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

More Research Titles on Sustainability and Green Technology

Topic 1: what roles do ngos have in environmental sustainability and green technology.

Research Aim: The research will establish how NGOs can be incorporated into sustainability. NGOs have distinct objectives. While some are specific to environmental conservation, others focus on aspects that indirectly affect the environment positively or negatively. The study will then suggest how the NGOs can be motivated to advance their operations and promote green technology.

Topic 2: Impactful green thinking to achieve sustainability

Research Aim: The research analyses human behaviour and issues that can promote sustainability. It explores how people can change their perspective on the environment and take measures at individual and collective levels. It will recommend some habitual changes that can positively impact the environment.

Topic 3: A holistic approach to environmental sustainability

Research Aim: Sustainability comprises various factors, ranging from behavioural, resources, technological, and procedural. Most studies have focused on particular sets of characteristics. However, it can be intriguing how integrating sustainability factors can be achieved. Also, it will be realised if implementing some measures of sustainability has any correlation to others.

Topic 4: Can there be a balance between lifestyle and green technology?

Research Aim: the study will assess the relationship between current lifestyle and green technology. It will be relevant in identifying the personal understanding of green technology’s contribution and how people are ready to adjust their lifestyle to technology. It will further show how green technology affects lifestyles.

Topic 5: How do businesses perceive green energy and environmental sustainability?

Research Aim: The research aims to identify how profit-making organisations approach green technology. It will focus on whether they find it less costly and useful. Also, it will establish whether they find products that involve green technology are usually marketable. Further, it will identify the organisation’s preference for the working environment, whether in regions that promote environmental sustainability or those that do not.

Topic 6: Examining sustainability policies in developed and developing countries

Research Aim: The research will compare regulations instituted in the two sets of countries. It will also assess the extent of implementation of the policies in the countries.

Topic 7: Challenges facing green technology as one of the drivers towards sustainability

Research Aim: The research will be based on green technology recognition as a crucial attribute of environmental sustainability. Despite the assertion, the technology has not attained universal coverage as it would be more impactful. The challenges can vary in economic, social, geographical, and regulatory aspects, and it is recommended that the research focus on a particular region. The results can also be analysed if there is a conflict of to identify any general challenges in the areas.

Topic 8: What is the consumer perspective towards green production?

Research Aim: Businesses target to satisfy the needs of consumers. The study will assess whether the consumer has a force towards producers that can make the latter inclined towards using green technology. This research study will essentially focus on the consumables industry.

Topic 9: Stakeholders’ contribution to green technology

Research Aim: The research will establish all the stakeholders in green energy. It will reveal their interests and drivers towards green technology. There will be an insight into whether there is a conflict of interest between the stakeholders and how it can be resolved. It will also help identify how the stakeholders can collaborate and integrate their resources and ideas.

Topic 10: Current trends in green technology and the future of technology

Research Aim: the research will aim to overview how green energy has been advancing over time. The trend will then help in predicting the future of green technology. Besides, it will be informative about the contribution green energy has had on environmental sustainability at various levels. It will then make recommendations about the optimum technology based on the available information and developments.

Also Read: Dissertation Topics in Engineering Management

How ResearchProspect Can Help You?

We are aware of the problems students are likely to face when it comes to finding a suitable topic in sustainability and green technology. Therefore our expert writers are always looking forward to assisting you with your topic search.

We hope you were able to find a suitable topic from the 20+ topic suggestions in green technology and sustainability provided in this article. But even if you didn’t find any of these topics suitable for your needs, you can always contact us to get custom topic ideas from our expert writers.

Our team of expert writers in any field you would like your work to be carried out in will facilitate you and ensure you get the grades that you are worthy of and deserve.

Important Notes:

As a student of sustainability and green technology looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing sustainability and green technology theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

Sustainability and green technology are vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like environmental engineering . That is why it is imperative to create a sustainability and green technology dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your fundamental research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your issue wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best sustainability and green technology dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalising your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample sustainability and green technology dissertation topics to get an idea for your dissertation.

How to Structure Your Dissertation on Sustainability & Green Technology

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and binding terms, which can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : The findings of the research are analysed in detail in the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find sustainability and green technology dissertation topics.

For sustainability and green technology dissertation topics:

• Research recent environmental challenges.
• Explore innovative green solutions.
• Examine policy and industry trends.
• Analyse potential socio-economic impacts.
• Focus on interdisciplinary approaches.
• Select a topic resonating with your passion and expertise.

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PhD in Sustainability Science

A three-year programme with an innovative approach to sustainability issues and a global change perspective.

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Applications for September 2024 entry are now closed.  

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science Programme is a three-year programme that takes an innovative approach to sustainability, seeking to promote a better understanding of the issues by incorporating global change perspectives.

This programme will equip graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems, and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. Students undertake problem-oriented research by playing an active role in UNU-IAS research projects, and acquire the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to understand the underlying principles of various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates.

Students can select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, while also enjoying the opportunity to take courses at other leading universities in Japan such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.

Programme Structure & Language

Admission requirements, how to apply, diploma programme for specialization on the paris agreement (spa), joint diploma programmes, japan foundation for unu (jfunu) scholarship.

The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The academic year starts in September. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 36 months or six academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. By July of their third-year students are expected to complete all of the course requirements, obtaining at least 14 credits and completing a doctoral dissertation.

The language of instruction is  English . [ Top ]

Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

1. A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability and a minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);

Two completed master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2024 may also apply);

2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned; and

3. English language proficiency.

The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:

• 600 on TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT) OR
• 100 on TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT) OR
• 7.0 on IELTS – Academic format

*   Please note that TOEFL and ILTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted.   UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).

• TOEFL: Please order an official score report using the institution code 6991. For more information on TOEFL, please visit  http://www.ets.org/toefl/
• IELTS: Please request that an official report be sent directly to UNU-IAS. For more information on IELTS, please visit  http://www.ielts.org/  [ Top ]

Applicants who have studied for at least two consecutive years in a degree-granting university programme taught entirely in English may submit a substitute document for the English language proficiency score. [ Top ]

Please refer to the PhD Application Guidelines  for detailed instructions on how to apply. [ Top ]

• 3 March 2024 : Deadline for applications
• Mid-April 2024 : Invitation to an interview and requests for submitting supporting documents by email (shortlisted applicants only)
• Mid to late April 2024 : Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
• Late May 2024 onwards : Announcement of application results (successful applicants only)

Dates are subject to change . [ Top ]

• Application Processing Fee:  None
• Tuition Fee:  USD 12,000 per year*

To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year ( USD 6,000 *,  non-refundable ) by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment. Students who choose to pay annually must pay a full one-year tuition payment before the commencement of the academic year. Successful applicants are required to submit all documents and pay the tuition fee by the deadline.**

The estimated total expenses for living and studying in Tokyo for three years are approximately  USD 84,000 , including tuition fees. Applicants must ensure adequate financial resources to meet the full costs of educational and living expenses.

* The fee is subject to change .

**  UNU holida ys  are listed in the  UNU-IAS Academic Calendar .  [ Top ]

The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis and the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.

Overview Courses (Compulsory)

• Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II
• Sustainability Science Research Seminar

Elective Courses

• The United Nations System and Sustainable Development*
• Global Change and Planetary Boundaries*
• Principles of International Development Project*
• Water Resources Systems
• Education for Sustainable Development: From Global Agendas to Local Actions
• Understanding the mechanism to implement the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC
• Frontier of Sustainability Science
• Law and Practice of the United Nations
• Climate Justice and the Right to Education
• Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application
• Environmental Statistics and Research Methods
• Studies of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes
• From SDGs to Climate Change: Implementation Strategies for its Adaptation and Mitigation

Courses marked with * are held over a short period as part of the UNU Intensive Core (IC) Courses.

Other elective courses may also be offered. A wide range of elective courses offered by partner universities are also available to UNU-IAS students through credit exchange arrangements. [ Top ]

UNU-IAS offers the SPA Diploma Programme focusing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement mechanisms, such as the enhanced transparency framework, nationally determined contributions, national adaptation planning process, global stocktake and market mechanisms. By strengthening national capacity in these areas, it aims to become an essential means of implementation of the agreement and develop future leaders who will be at the forefront of these vital efforts. The diploma will be granted upon satisfactory completion of the designated courses. [ Top ]

Students of the UNU-IAS PhD programme are also encouraged to pursue one of two joint diplomas in sustainability science, which are offered in partnership with the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS) and with Sophia University. These diploma programmes require students to gain 18 credits, eight of which must be from courses specified by UNU-IAS and the partner university under the respective joint diploma programme. A joint diploma can only be awarded to students who successfully complete the three-year UNU-IAS PhD degree programme. [ Top ]

The scholarship is competitive and may be awarded to eligible students who have been accepted for enrolment in the PhD programme. There is no separate application form for the scholarship as it is part of the main online application form for admission. Interested applicants must provide the necessary information and documents for the scholarship when applying to the PhD programme.

I. Coverage

The jfUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY as a support package for a maximum of 36 months. The tuition fees may be waived for the scholarship recipients.

II. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
• Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
• Applicants who are already enrolled in other PhD programmes are not eligible. This includes those who have already obtained a PhD degree at an institution other than UNU-IAS.

*Developing countries included in the latest  OECD DAC list .

III. Additional Requirements

• Recipients of the jfUNU Scholarship are required to write a short essay on their learning and experiences at UNU, which is submitted to the donor organisation. Before graduation, each recipient is requested to submit a note of appreciation to the donors with reflections on their future plans.
• Recipients agree to foster collaboration with jfUNU through participating in jfUNU activities, events, and other opportunities offered to the student body. [ Top ]

Before contacting the Admissions Office, please read through the  Frequently Asked Questions  to see if your question has been answered. For any unanswered questions, please use the  Inquiry Form . [ Top ]

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Ph.D. in Sustainable Development

The sustainability of development presents some of the most important policy challenges concerning the future of our planet, and it requires an interdisciplinary approach involving the social, natural, engineering, and health sciences. The PhD in Sustainable Development includes a set of rigorous core requirements in the social and natural sciences designed to provide a deep understanding of the interaction between natural and social systems, and provides students with the flexibility to pursue in-depth research in a broad variety of critical policy areas. No other doctoral program produces graduates with the unique combination of diverse skills and deep insight into the most challenging problems of future human welfare. Together with experts and faculty at Columbia, you’ll conduct research in a wide variety of areas, including climate change and its social consequences, causes and solutions to extreme poverty, energy systems, agricultural transitions, water resources, and more.

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PhD in Sustainability Management

Scholarship in applied sustainable development

The PhD in Sustainability Management (SUSM) prepares future sustainability innovators with interdisciplinary research skills, management approaches, strategies and processes to realize sustainable outcomes with business, government and third sector organizations.

Students contribute to the creation of academic knowledge by developing methods, systems, concepts, and tools for sustainability management. Data and analysis consider environmental, social and governance areas in sustainable development.

Graduates prepare for career paths both inside and outside academia, including employment in government, business and third sector organizations. Through professional development seminars, students gain skills to mobilize their knowledge and develop skills for careers outside of academia.

Contact: Anastasiya Saparaliyeva Graduate Program Coordinator PhD in Sustainability Management

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The Sustainable Development Policy, Economics and Governance (SDPEG) Ph.D. program offers a transdisciplinary doctoral education in the policies, practices and theories of sustainable development. By offering a core curriculum that includes applied policy and economic analysis, governance and process design, social science methods, and professional skills development, the program produces graduates capable of conducting original, applied research that is designed to support sustainability and resiliency across social, ecological, and technical systems. 

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Josh Farley, Professor

Sarah Heiss, Associate Professor

Qingbin Wang, Professor

Anaka Aiyar, Assistant Professor

Joe Ament, Assistant Professor

Kate Mays, Assistant Professor

Benjamin Dangl, Lecturer

Edward McMahon, Adjunct Associate Professor

Pablo Bose, Professor

Stephanie Seguino, Professor Emerita

Gregory Rowangould, Associate Professor

Donna Ramirez-Harrington, Associate Professor

Brian Beckage, Professor

Elizabeth Doran, Research Assistant Professor

Jane Kolodinsky, Professor Emerita

Christopher Koliba, Professor Emeritus

Kelsey Gleason, Assistant Professor

Dana Rowangould, Assistant Professor

Degree Requirements

Milestones, guidelines and timeline to degree completion.

Minimum Degree Requirements

The degree requires a total of 75 credits. A minimum of 51 credits must be completed in residence. The residency requirement is completed by courses that:

1. are taken for graduate credit through the University of Vermont, and

2. are taken after the student has been admitted to the Graduate College.

The program’s course of study includes: 

1. 15-credit core 2. Up to 24 transfer credits from prior master’s degree (12 out of 24 transferable credits must meet pre-requisite requirements in statistical methods, research methodology, economics and policy process theory) 3. 15 credits of a pre-approved Certificate of Graduate Study or a customized sequence of advisor-approved graduate level elective courses 4. 21 dissertation research credits

15 credit core includes:

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Students will advance to candidacy following completion of the core curriculum, passage of a written and oral comprehensive exam, passage of the written dissertation and oral dissertation defense exam, and acquisition of teaching experience in the field of sustainable development policy, economics and governance. A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

Tuition Information

International Student Admissions

Funding Opportunities

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Admissions Information

Applications for fall 2025 are due January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed after that date.

Admission will be contingent upon funding and alignment of research interests with faculty that are accepting students.

Application can be accessed here .

Admissions Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, natural resources, engineering, ecology, food systems, political science or a closely related field, including social sciences, professional fields, and STEM
• Completion of graduate level course in statistical methods (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Completion of graduate level course in research methodology (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Completion of graduate level course in economics (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Completion of graduate level course in policy process theory (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
• In the application Statement of Purpose, please identify 1 to 2 potential advisers from the SDPEG faculty list.
• Applicants must submit evidence of experience and success in the research process such as writing sample(s), and/or evidence of research experience(s) (e.g., theses, term papers, class projects, research reports and/or other descriptions of past research experience from academic or professional lives).
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional.
• For international students whose native language is not English or who have not completed undergraduate or master’s degrees in English, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo must be submitted.

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Doctorate in Sustainability – PhD (Online)*

Career paths, residencies.

• Faculty & Staff

Tuition & Fees

Emerge as an innovative leader in the field of sustainability to address socio-ecological resilience, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, environmental policy, economic justice, and more.

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Portugal, Tanzania

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

Development & Inequality

Program Cost

Why a phd in sustainability from sit.

Developed for professionals working to create a more sustainable future, PhD in Sustainability students will investigate the social, ecological, technical, and political dimensions of sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel and inclusive approaches to community-based problem solving and sustainable development.

This online program is complemented by two 10-day international residencies across four years of part-time study. During the first-year residency, students will immerse themselves in Lisbon, Portugal, a beacon of progress in renewable energy innovation, marine conservation, and sustainability. During the second-year residency, students transition from theory to hands-on exploration through unique case studies in Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives.

Students will develop skills in research, organizational leadership, policy development, and communication in order to contribute to climate change mitigation, advocate for social equity, and innovate sustainable business practices for economic prosperity. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead multi-stakeholder groups as they will be effective communicators in policy circles, academic and organizational contexts, and in popular science.  

SIT’s global faculty bring experience in both teaching and mentorship and applied work in many facets of sustainability, from integrative conservation, climate change, food security, environmental governance, and sustainable business and technology. With SIT’s global network and long history of experiential learning, students will gain a unique global perspective they can apply to their careers.

This program is ideal for professionals enthusiastic about producing evidence-based analysis to investigate the social and ecological dimensions of sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel and inclusive approaches to community-based problem solving and sustainable development. Career paths may include:

Climate and environment analyst

Lead sustainability designer or director

Energy policy advisor

Regenerative systems specialist

Green tech innovator

Sustainability curriculum designer

University faculty

Leadership and research roles in academic, government, NGO, and business

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

First-Year Residency: Lisbon, Portugal

A beacon of progress in renewable energy innovation, marine conservation, and sustainability, Portugal offers a vibrant environment of breathtaking coastlines and majestic mountainous regions that will serve as your classroom. During this 10-day residency, students will explore and contribute to areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy innovations, and sustainable agriculture practices.

The program base, Lisbon, received the 2020 European Green Capital Award. The city surpassed its 2030 target for carbon emissions reduction in 2016 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Second-Year Residency: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Transition from theory to hands-on exploration through case studies in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives. This 10-day residency serves as a cornerstone for grounding the program themes and tools in real-world applications, where your research becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change.

Go beyond the classroom to contribute to solutions for sustainability challenges, particularly related to food production and tourism in the face of climate change. Visit key sites and interact with stakeholders to gain valuable insights into local sustainability practices and challenges. Beyond the local context, this experience extends to a global perspective as participants compare their Zanzibar experiences against similar cases worldwide.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in Sustainability, students will be able to:

• Conduct groundbreaking transdisciplinary research that cuts across systems thinking, sustainability studies, and social action.
• Design effective and successful project solutions that lead to inclusive, tenable results for the flourishing of human livelihoods and ecosystems at different spatiotemporal scales.
• Contribute to an emerging body of research and action that redefines mainstream environmental thought guided by contemporary, alternative conservation epistemologies.
• Lead organizations and initiatives in the creation and implementation of sustainable and regenerative systems that satisfy human and ecosystem needs.
• Design and carry out original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
• Contribute to scholarship and practice of the field through publishable research findings.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study in small personalized cohorts. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework during admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

This is SIT

• We value active togetherness, reciprocity, and respect as the essential ingredients for building a sustainable community .

• With open minds, empathy, and courage, we facilitate intercultural understanding and respect for the commonalities and differences between people.
• We champion social inclusion & justice in all that we are and all that we do, from ensuring our community and our programs amplify the voices, agency, and dignity of all people to deliberately instilling the principles and practices of inclusion in all of our work.
• We are committed to human and environmental well-being through sustainability and contributing to a better world for all living and future generations.
• Elective (3 credits; or 3 approved transfer credits)
• Perspectives on Sustainability (3 credits)

In this course, students will delve into the foundational bodies of theory that underpin both research and practical applications of sustainability approaches. This course provides the theoretical background for the discussion and analysis of sustainability issues that range from energy and natural resources to biodiversity and global climate change. Core concepts of the course include social-ecological systems thinking, vulnerability, resilience, regenerative development, policy, and communication in the context of sustainability.

Central to the course is the interconnectedness of sustainability issues across different scales and systems. Students will gain insights into how communities, governments, organizations, social movements, private corporations, and individuals can collectively address the looming threats to sustainability. The exploration of sustainability topics spans a wide array of perspectives, fostering adaptability in addressing the complex task of reshaping human society and its relationship with nature and technology. The overarching goal is to guide individuals towards more sustainable patterns in ecological, social, political, and economic relations while preparing them to be effective communicators of hope throughout their graduate degree and beyond.

• Social-Ecological-Technical-Political Systems and Integration (3 credits)

This course provides the theoretical background for the use and application of complex systems thinking and decision making for sustainability. The course content draws on diverse fields and spheres, including the social sciences, ecological systems, and technology, with a focus on how these spheres overlap, interact, and how we may further bring them together. Core concepts of the course include social-ecological systems thinking, supply-chain and networks analysis, and ethics and social justice in the context of sustainability. Students will examine interrelationships among natural, societal, economic, technological and political systems on multiple scales, and learn to identify problems and conceptualize solutions using systems thinking.

• Integrative Biodiversity Conservation (3 credits)

In this course, students will examine past and current environmental conservation theories, paradigms, approaches, and practices that explore and weigh 1) the challenges and successes of resource conservation on multiple scales, 2) the role of carbon in current and future management of ecological systems, 3) the emergence of environmental governance, and 4) ecological restoration and its potential impacts on human flourishing. Holistic in its approach, the course focuses on the relationships, nuances, and sacrifices involved in balancing human use of natural resources and the maintenance and regeneration of ecological health. The course will also draw on theories and concepts from the pluriverse, environmental psychology, and notions of the inseparable duality of the human-nature mosaic.

• Case studies in Climate Change and Sustainability (3 credits)

Societies in developing countries depend on ecosystem goods and services for their livelihoods. Climate change impacts have damaged the integrity of ecosystems and placed stresses on residents’ livelihoods, public institutions, and businesses. This Praxis course addresses climate change impacts and sustainable practices in the tropics and, furthermore, shows that sustainability is a key factor of the development process. The idea of sustainability emerged in response to growing concerns about the apparent failure of conventional, state-led “development” initiatives and about the extent and pace of socio-environmental degradation, including in African settings. In general, a practice is sustainable and resilient when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, while not further undermining the natural resource base and its multi-sectoral linkages.

This 10-day course takes place in the Zanzibar Archipelago, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa. The course addresses three specific cases by experiencing examples and putting theory and skills into practice where Africa meets the Indian Ocean. During the stay in Zanzibar, we also visit key sites and meet with stakeholders about sustainability practices and challenges, for instance as linked to food production and tourism in an era of climate change. Experiences and applications in Zanzibar are compared against global cases. This course grounds doctoral program themes and tools with on-the-ground experiences and applications in the Global South.

• Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal.

• Analytical Tools and Methods in Sustainability Studies (3 credits)

Sustainability assessment balances environmental, social, and economic impacts while respecting contextual and long-term risks. This Research Methods course provides a critical and systematic review of qualitative and quantitative, but primarily mixed methods, approaches to sustainability. Previous comprehension of baseline qualitative and quantitative methods is expected of students. The course also introduces and applies diverse analytical tools essential to the assessment of sustainability cases and outcomes. A broad comprehension of disciplines, scales (space and time), data types, metrics, indicators, and the strengths and limitations of specific paradigms and approaches informs the course and its content. Sustainability evaluations can impact policy and decision-making in both natural/physical and social spheres. Enhanced livelihoods and environmental conservation and social development can result from improved scientific and technical applications that assess the synergies and tradeoffs of sustainability outcomes.

• Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

• Comprehensive Exam (0 credits)

Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research. Comprehensive exams confirm students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

• Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1 (1 credit)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations.  Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their degree chair to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

• Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured, well-developed, and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: The student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: The proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

• Dissertation (5 credits)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts two years.

• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 2 (1 credit)
• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 3 (1 credit)
• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 4 (1 credit)
• Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course, students will complete their dissertation, prepare for their oral defense. working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

Students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s course offerings in the master’s or PhD programs.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in Sustainability, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
• Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
• All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• resume or curriculum vitae
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 750 words and should demonstrates your interest in the PhD in Sustainability at SIT; describe how your prior academic and/or professional experience have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and proposes your research topic and guiding question(s) and their significance to the field. You will be prompted to provide contact information for three references who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least one should know you in an academic capacity.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program. 

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

Faculty & Staff

Sustainability – phd (online)*.

Discover the Possibilities

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

Climate Change, Sustainability and Society PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time.

Explore environmental change and the diverse responses needed to foster behaviours, practices and policies which promote sustainability.

In this interdisciplinary pathway, you will investigate sustainability topics using insights and perspectives from multiple disciplines, with a primary focus on social sciences (e.g., psychology, policy studies, political science, development studies, education, economics, social geography, sociology).

Find out what our research graduates go on to do

Department of Psychology

• Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 years.

This programme is only available through the Southwest Doctoral Training Partnership. Applications open from October each year and close around January. More information is available to Study as a South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) student at Bath

You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

• Registration
• Candidature
• Confirmation
• Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
• Submission for examination
• Examination (Viva Voce)
• Examiners report
• Final submission of thesis / portfolio
• Programme content
• Doctoral skills online
• Doctoral skills workshop
• Research project
• Supervisory team

Research content

Sustainability topics can be wide-ranging, with the content of your research determined with your PhD supervisory team. However, in line with the goals of this PhD programme, your thesis will have a primarily social science focus.

While you will have a lead (primary) supervisor, you should also have at least one additional supervisor working in a different discipline to help you develop your interdisciplinary insights.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment methods

Assessment description.

Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the programme of PhD. Confirmation of PhD registration is subject to your passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination.

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

• Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A first or upper-second class honours degree.

English Language requirements

You will normally need one of the following:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Two references are required for this programme (at least one of these should be an academic reference from ypur most recent place of study).

• Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Climate Change, Sustainability and Society PhD

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Funding options

This is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised programme, suitable for ESRC-funded 1+3 awards or subsequent +3 applications (MRes and PhD)

ESRC-funded students are able to claim (during their studies) for three additional allowances:

• Overseas Fieldwork Allowance
• Difficult Language Training
• Overseas Institutional Visits

For more information on these allowances please see the ESRC Postgraduate Funding Guide . Please note that if you anticipate such activities you should outline the details in your application.

Find funding for Doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

• Application information
• Programme title Climate Change, Sustainability and Society PhD
• Final award PhD
• Mode of study Full-time
• Course code RHPS-AFM02
• Department Department of Psychology as part of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) in economic and social science
• Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).

• Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)

Applicant profile

Your proposal should address a problem or question with strong links to the themes of this interdisciplinary pathway.

Prior to applying, please contact and gain agreement to supervise you from an academic staff member (who will become your lead supervisor), as well as your additional supervisor(s), as their agreement to supervise is critical for acceptance into the PhD program. Your lead supervisor may be able to advise on the most suitable additional supervisor(s). Gaining feedback on your proposal from your potential supervisors prior to submission is strongly encouraged.

The proposal itself should include;

• a brief review of relevant background literature (to contextualise the issue)
• a core research question or theme
• an outline of the possible methods that could be used to address this question.
• how your research will draw on interdisciplinary perspectives

If you wish to study for both the MRes and the PhD (the 1 + 3) you should apply for the PhD but indicate on the Application Form, that you also wish to study for the MRes.

Progression from the MRes to the PhD stage is dependent on achieving an acceptable level of achievement (typically an overall average of 60% on at least the taught component of the MRes).

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study

Selection process

See our guide for information on how to apply for ESRC SWDTP funding

Immigration requirements

If you are an international student, you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK .

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

• Programme enquiries

Doctoral Admissions

• Apply for this programme
• Related programmes
• Climate Change, Sustainability and Society PhD part-time

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PhD Environment and Sustainability

Our Environment and Sustainability PhD programme equips you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become a leader in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices in various sectors. 

Key course information

October 2024 - full-time, october 2024 - part-time, january 2025 - full-time, january 2025 - part-time, april 2025 - full-time, april 2025 - part-time, july 2025 - full-time, july 2025 - part-time, why choose this programme.

The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 25 years. From investigating people’s attitudes to the environment to exploring the opportunities for solar power mini-grids in sub-Saharan Africa, our researchers are taking innovative approaches for a more prosperous, equitable, safe and secure future.

Established in 1992, the Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES) has gained an outstanding international reputation for multidisciplinary research and teaching in all aspects of sustainability. Some examples of our major contributions include:

• Life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis
• Industrial ecology and the circular economy
• Techno-economic analysis
• The water, energy and food nexus
• Bioenergy and biorefineries
• Low carbon transitions
• Lifestyles and behaviours
• Prosperity without growth
• Environmental and energy policy.

We champion two of the University’s main research themes, sustainability and urban living, and we are also home to the prestigious Economic and Social Research Council-funded Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), led by Professor Tim Jackson . We collaborate with staff across the University on a huge range of sustainability-related projects, giving you an excellent opportunity to learn from and contribute to this vital area of human development.

Programme details Open

What you will study.

It normally takes three or four years of full-time study to complete our PhD programme, or about twice as long for part-time study. By the end of your programme, you’ll be an independent researcher with expert knowledge on the technical, economic, social and policy aspects of environment and sustainability.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across the full breadth and depth of theoretical and applied approaches to sustainability. Many of our postgraduate researchers are working on projects with local and multi-national businesses, policymakers, and international bodies, such as the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the World Health Organization.

You’ll be assigned at least two supervisors, who will guide you through your PhD. In addition, you’ll attend a small number of mandatory training courses to ensure you have exposure to the rich diversity of research and data gathering methodologies, and to understand how to apply data analysis techniques. As part of this, you’ll also co-design an individual researcher development programme with your supervisor. This will include several relevant masters-level taught modules in CES or other departments (covering both research skills and subject-based material), as well as training in research budgeting, seminar and conference presentation skills, and research publishing. You’ll also take a number of voluntary training and transferable skills courses provided by the University’s Doctoral College .

A lot of your research will be done on campus and it might also involve fieldwork, including on-site interviews and surveys, and working with external organisations both in the UK and abroad. If your project involves experimentation or sample processing/analysis, you’ll be able to do this work in laboratories at collaborating departments or schools at the University, with external collaborators (such as external research organisations or companies) or through fieldwork in the UK or abroad.

You’ll be encouraged to attend regular seminars where internal and external speakers talk about their research activities, and monthly seminars and Journal Club activities which are led and managed by doctoral students. You’ll also become a member of our Postgraduate Forum, which meets regularly with the Centre Director and the Postgraduate Director to discuss supplementary training, support and the Centre’s social activities.

You’ll also have the opportunity to complete four specified taught modules from one of our CES masters programmes to qualify for the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) professional membership at graduate level. You’ll have the option of taking up this opportunity during your studies as well as the option to complete the Teacher Training for Researchers, which is the first step in your possible career as an academic.

Completing your PhD with us also gives you a strong foundation to apply for the managerial IEMA membership level and to become a Chartered Environmentalist. Depending on the focus of your research, your PhD might be strong evidence for chartered status with other professional bodies, such as those in engineering.

You’ll be assessed by formal progress reports at six-monthly intervals, a confirmation report and a viva examination after around 12 months (times are extended for part-time students).

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Research areas Open

Research themes.

• Sustainable development policies and practices
• Energy, water and food nexus
• Behaviour change
• Waste systems
• Environmental-energy-economic system analysis
• Sustainable transportation
• Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage
• Built environment
• Social research on sustainability
• Smart local energy systems
• Lifestyles and resource consumption
• Low-carbon energy technologies
• Resource consumption and land use
• Sustainable systems: design and modelling
• Life cycle assessment (LCA), including social LCA and life cycle costing
• Carbon and water footprinting
• Vertical farming
• Low-carbon energy supply
• Organised crime and sustainability
• Energy demand and efficiency
• Policy and strategy: for governments and businesses
• International development and sustainability.

Research areas

• Policy, strategy and governance
• Sustainable systems

Academic staff Open

See a full list of all our  academic staff  within the Centre for Environment and Sustainability.

Support and facilities Open

Research support.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College , which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

As a research student within CES, you’ll have access to a newly refurbished office space, personal IT facilities, specialist sustainability software and advanced computer facilities for modelling-based research.

Hear from our students Open

Timothy Chukwu

Student - Environment and Sustainability PhD

"My Surrey experience so far has been fantastic. From the first day I arrived here, the hospitality I received was so splendid that it did not take me long to adapt to my new environment." 

Entry requirements Open

Uk qualifications.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).

Country-specific qualifications

International students in the united kingdom, english language requirements.

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

• Meeting the expected entry requirements
• Being shortlisted through the application screening process
• Completing a successful interview
• Providing suitable references.

Fees and funding Open

Fees per year.

Explore  UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the  list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
• Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Application process

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our  application guidance .

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Apply online

To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.

Select your course

Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

Create an account and sign into our application portal.

Environment and Sustainability PhD

Full-time, October 2024

Part-time, October 2024

Full-time, January 2025

Part-time, January 2025

Full-time, April 2025

Part-time, April 2025

Full-time, July 2025

Part-time, July 2025

About the University of Surrey

Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 6,000 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

Student life

At Surrey we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.

Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF) .

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

• First when we make an offer.
• Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .

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Development Studies (IDS) PhD

Key information.

• 1st   in the world for Development Studies   (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Study with the world leaders in Development Studies and realise your potential to transform the world

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally, through our world-class research, learning and teaching.

 As a PhD researcher, you’ll join a thriving research community with more than 70 research staff and 50 postgraduate researchers. You’ll have access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.

Your time at IDS will equip you with the training needed to launch your career in academia, government, civil society or the private sector, and make a real difference in bringing about transformative change. Our PhD graduates are defining and solving some of the world’s most pressing global challenges in their work as:

• ministers in national governments and civil servants
• high-level officials in development organisations such as UNDP and the World Bank
• leaders and thinkers of civil-society and international development organisations such as ActionAid and Christian Aid
• high-profile academics at universities across the world.

What it’s like to study for a PhD at IDS – Jorge Ortiz-Moreno

Areas of study

We welcome submissions from researchers who share our commitment to:

• upholding climate and environmental justice
• reducing extreme inequities
• fostering healthy and fulfilling lives
• nurturing inclusive, democratic and accountable societies.

We’re particularly interested in work that shows originality in addressing topics related to the work of our research fellows based across our ten  research clusters .

Find out about our current PhD researchers

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi arabia, south africa, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, my country is not listed.

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Advanced level (75 overall, including at least 70 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

Advanced level (International ESOL SELT C1 with a minimum of 33 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Advanced level 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing. 

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only:  70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English:  70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]

Our supervisors

Prof Jeremy Allouche

[email protected]

View profile of Jeremy Allouche

Dr Marina Apgar

Associate Fellow

[email protected]

View profile of Marina Apgar

Dr Seife Ayele

[email protected]

View profile of Seife Ayele

Dr Inka Barnett

[email protected]

View profile of Inka Barnett

Dr Gerald Bloom

[email protected]

View profile of Gerald Bloom

Prof Danny Burns

[email protected]

View profile of Danny Burns

Dr Lidia Cabral

[email protected]

View profile of Lidia Cabral

Mr Terry Cannon

[email protected]

View profile of Terry Cannon

Dr Deepta Chopra

[email protected]

View profile of Deepta Chopra

Dr Stephen Devereux

[email protected]

View profile of Stephen Devereux

Dr Ayako Ebata

Research Fellow

[email protected]

View profile of Ayako Ebata

Mr Jerker Edstrom

[email protected]

View profile of Jerker Edstrom

Ms Becky Faith

[email protected]

View profile of Becky Faith

Dr Dominic Glover

[email protected]

View profile of Dominic Glover

Dr Martin Greeley

[email protected]

View profile of Martin Greeley

[email protected]

View profile of Jing Gu

Dr Jaideep Gupte

Cluster Leader/Fellow

[email protected]

View profile of Jaideep Gupte

Dr Thomas Harrison

[email protected]

View profile of Thomas Harrison

Dr Martin Hearson

[email protected]

View profile of Martin Hearson

Dr Jo Howard

[email protected]

View profile of Jo Howard

Dr Amber Huff

[email protected]

View profile of Amber Huff

Dr Anuradha Joshi

[email protected]

View profile of Anuradha Joshi

Prof Patricia Justino

[email protected]

View profile of Patricia Justino

Dr Shandana Khan Mohmand

Cluster Leader/ Fellow

[email protected]

View profile of Shandana Khan Mohmand

Prof Melissa Leach

[email protected]

View profile of Melissa Leach

Dr Tessa Lewin

[email protected]

View profile of Tessa Lewin

Dr Jeremy Lind

[email protected]

View profile of Jeremy Lind

Dr Miguel Loureiro

[email protected]

View profile of Miguel Loureiro

Prof Hayley Macgregor

[email protected]

View profile of Hayley Macgregor

Dr Philip Mader

[email protected]

View profile of Philip Mader

Mr Gauthier Marchais

[email protected]

View profile of Gauthier Marchais

Dr Giulia Mascagni

[email protected]

View profile of Giulia Mascagni

Dr Rosemary Mcgee

[email protected]

View profile of Rosemary Mcgee

Prof Lyla Mehta

[email protected]

View profile of Lyla Mehta

Prof Michael Moore

Professorial Fellow

[email protected]

View profile of Michael Moore

Dr Lars Otto Naess

[email protected]

View profile of Lars Otto Naess

Prof Sohela Nazneen

[email protected]

View profile of Sohela Nazneen

Prof Nicholas Nisbett

[email protected]

View profile of Nicholas Nisbett

Dr Pauline Oosterhoff

[email protected]

View profile of Pauline Oosterhoff

Dr Marjoke Oosterom

[email protected]

View profile of Marjoke Oosterom

Dr Wilson Prichard

[email protected]

View profile of Wilson Prichard

Dr Tony Roberts

[email protected]

View profile of Tony Roberts

Ms Rachel Sabates-Wheeler

Fellow in Gender & Development

[email protected]

View profile of Rachel Sabates-Wheeler

Prof Ian Scoones

[email protected]

View profile of Ian Scoones

Dr Patta Scott-Villiers

[email protected]

View profile of Patta Scott-Villiers

Dr Alex Shankland

[email protected]

View profile of Alex Shankland

Dr Jacqueline Shaw

[email protected]

View profile of Jacqueline Shaw

Dr Wei Shen

[email protected]

View profile of Wei Shen

Dr Shilpi Srivastava

[email protected]

View profile of Shilpi Srivastava

Dr James Sumberg

View profile of James Sumberg

Dr Mariz Tadros

[email protected]

View profile of Mariz Tadros

Dr Dolf Te Lintelo

[email protected]

View profile of Dolf Te Lintelo

Dr John Thompson

[email protected]

View profile of John Thompson

Ms Jodie Thorpe

[email protected]

View profile of Jodie Thorpe

Dr Giel Ton

[email protected]

View profile of Giel Ton

Dr Linda Waldman

[email protected]

View profile of Linda Waldman

Dr Mary Wickenden

[email protected]

View profile of Mary Wickenden

Miss Annie Wilkinson

[email protected]

View profile of Annie Wilkinson

Dr Dirk Willenbockel

[email protected]

View profile of Dirk Willenbockel

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2025/26 – check back from September 2024. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

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Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

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PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 606261 [email protected]

Find out about the Institute of Development Studies

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

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List of suggested topics for thesis

for RESD students

• Invia ad un amico

List of suggested topics

Elettra Agliardi

§ Financial Derivatives and climate change

§ Evolutions of institutions and ambiguity in the context of climate change

§  Climate finance 

§ Green bonds​

§  Facilitating transition: real option valuation for green growth, energy and technology transition.

Thanasis Stengos

§  Empirical approaches to the effect of emissions on growth

§  The Environmental Kuznets Curve: different methods of estimation analysis

§ Empirical investigation of the trade off between clean and conventional energy sources in affecting growth.

Rainer Andergassen

§  Economic growth and sustainability

§  Technological change and innovation incentives: green vs dirty technologies

§  Natural disasters and risk management

Anastasios Xepapadeas

§  Cost Benefit Analysis in General Infrastructure, or Renewable Energy using the EU Guidelines.

§  Climate Change Impacts on Output Growth and/or Total Factor Productivity.

§  Spatial Aspects in the Management of Resources and the Environment.

§ Coalition Formation and International Agreements under Climate Change: The Role of Adaptation, Geoengineering, and Solar Radiation Management.

§ The UN Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of Sustainability Measurement through Genuine Savings or Comprehensive Wealth

Konstantinos Chalvatzis

§ Regulating Energy Innovation: Comparative policies for energy storage and smart grid technologies in EU countries (particular focus on the UK, Sweden, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece) 

§ The EU single energy market and the role of the EU policies in enabling innovation in the energy sector (focus on energy storage and smart-grid technologies)

§ From energy consumer to energy prosumer: transforming the EU citizens

Melania D’Angelosante

§  The EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS)

§  Waste (management) as a resource

§  The environmental liability directive

Roberto Dieci

§  Agent-Based models for resource economics and management

§  Dynamic models in agricultural and resource economics

§  Mathematical modeling of emission markets

§ Mathematical modeling of agricultural price fluctuations

§ Mathematical models of tipping points and application to environmental economics and policy

Luca Fanelli

§ The econometrics of climate change (review level)

§ Shocks identification in applied macroeconomics (intermediate/advanced level)

§ The identification and measurement of oil shocks (advanced level).

Anna Montini

§  The economic cost of environmental impacts on human health

§  Appraisal of total economic value of environmental goods (specific case study to be defined)

§  Cost-benefit analysis of new municipal solid waste collection methods (or other case study to be detailed)

Roberto Patuelli

§  Regional social capital and environmental concerns

§  Balancing transport accessibility and the environment

§  The double dividend hypothesis in developing countries

§ Impact of speed limits on air pollution in Bologna

Corrado Benassi

§  Income polarization and political polarization

§  Income distribution and the working of markets

§  Income distribution and macroeconomic performance

§  Foundations of inequality and poverty measurement; measurement theory

§  Optimal population and sustainability

§  Mixed oligopolies and welfare

§  Ethical foundations of welfare theories 

Alessandro Tavoni

§ Media coverage, public awareness and climate tweets (Empirical)

§  Identifying drivers of cooperation in the laboratory (Experimental Economics)

§  Identifying drivers of cooperation in the field (Experimental Economics)

§  Eliciting climate change views with surveys (Empirical)

§  The political economy of international environmental agreements (IEA): the interplay between domenstic politics and IEA in coalition formation models (Game Theory)

§  Evolution of cooperation and common pool resource management (Game Theory)

Maria Gabrielli Baldarelli

§ Eco-justice and gambling: the role of accountability

§ Women, accounting and SDG

§ Social, environmental Accounting and poverty

§ Social , environmental and sustainable Accounting and accountability in Economy of communion entities 

Federica Farneti

§ Social Reports/sustainability reports of Italian provincial governments (international organisations): A Longitudinal Analysis. § Insights on non-financial disclosure in major corporations and reflections on SMEs, before and after the directive 95/2014: the path towards greater transparency? § Integrated reporting: Losing legitimacy when reporting talk is not supported by actions. § Social and environmental auditing

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Sustainability and development

Sustainability is now a critical and transformative issue in development theory and practice. Our work within the Development Policy and Practice group, covers a wide spectrum of sustainability challenges, ranging from climate change to marine conservation. Our research focus spans diverse regions, including the United Kingdom, Africa, and Amazonia, with a particular emphasis on the politics of sustainability and the governance of development and the environment. We explore the evolving geopolitical landscape and its impact on sustainability, alongside the role of informal and community-based institutions in shaping development outcomes. Our commitment to policy change is underpinned by supporting participatory action research and decolonising the ideas and practices of development studies. We welcome applications for research projects that adopt interdisciplinary approaches and critically engage with global development issues.

Within this broad and cross-cutting agenda we focus on:

• Exploring the relationships between development actors, institutions, and transformative dynamics in political thought. This further focuses on politics of development, as well as on transnational networks, states, and power
• At the policy level, our focus is on the interaction between governance, government, and civil society
• At the action level, the research focuses mainly on social movements, participation, conflict, and cooperation.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English .

Potential research projects

• The politics of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management
• Urban poverty and climate change
• Understanding climate change vulnerabilities
• Systemic approaches to climate change and development
• The politics of renewable energy provision and implications for development
• Climate change and child development
• Marine conservation, heritage, and the implications for development
• Sustainability initiatives, including digital technologies, and their implications for development
• Geopolitics and the environment
• Environmental governance and development
• Climate change, migration and development

Current/recent research projects

• The linkages between gender-based violence, housing insecurity and climate change in the UK
• Climate change adaptation by smallholder farmers in Iran
• The politics of disaster recovery in Nepal
• Financing shelter recovery post disaster
• Chinese backed renewable energy projects 
• AgroEcos: Research partnership for an agroecology-based solidarity economy

Potential supervisors

• Dr Lucy Baker
• Dr Andrea Beradi
• Professor Shonil Bhagwat
• Dr Framgton Chiyemura
• Dr Thais de Carvalho
• Dr Arabella Faser
• Dr Mark Lamont
• Dr Charlotte Weatherill
• Dr Aiora Zabala

Some of our research students are funded via The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership ; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit  Fees and studentships .

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see  Current studentships .

• Development Policy and Practice Group

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Dr Mark Lamont / Dr Frangton Chivemura, Discipline Convenors Email: FASS-DPP-PG-Admissions Phone: +44 (0)1908 653391 / +44 (0)1908 653818

Please review the application process if you want to apply for this research topic.

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• Doctorate in Sustainable Energy

The Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) is a community of researchers at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) that is committed to advancing sustainable energy, and we would love for you to join us. PhD programs are housed within the academic departments at JHU, so PhD students working in sustainable energy span many parts of the university.

As a student interested in doctoral research and in sustainable energy, ROSEI would love to help you find a home at JHU. Provided below is a sample of keywords for sustainable energy research being conducted at JHU, the department where this research is located, and a faculty member or coordinator within that department that has agreed to field inquiries about sustainable energy research in the given department.  A link to the different graduate admissions details for each department has also been provided. Please note that each department has its own guidelines regarding time to degree, coursework, examinations, stipend levels, etc. So, please take advantage of the information links and contacts below to learn all you can.

In addition to the brief summaries below you may also want to directly peruse the websites of ROSEI’s core, associate, and affiliated faculty to learn more about the research programs of ROSEI faculty that may resonate with your interests. Once accepted, ROSEI provides both a social and technical program that will allow you to share your research and passions with others in the broader JHU community interested in sustainable energy. PhD students are the heart and soul of JHU and we look forward to welcoming you to joining in on this important research.

ROSEI does not support direct PhD fellowships in sustainable energy at this time, but it does provide support to faculty, who then hire PhD students. Please check back as ROSEI is actively pursuing training grants to support such fellowships in the future.

You can learn more about doctoral research in sustainable energy at one of the information sessions held online by ROSEI faculty. The most recent webinar for PhD admission was held on Nov 1, 2023 and the FAQ from the event is available at the bottom of this page .

For science or engineering graduates who want to pursue a PhD in engineering related to sustainable energy:

For science graduates who want to pursue a PhD in science related to sustainable energy:

For social science graduates who want to pursue a PhD in social science related to sustainable energy:

See below for an FAQ about applying to JHU’s PhD programs that has been put together by ROSEI:

Sustainability: Sustainability Research Topics

• Find Journal Articles
• Databases for Sustainabilty Research
• Carbon Footprint
• Climate Change
• Green Building & Infrastructure
• Green Economy/Technology
• Materials, Waste & Recycling
• Social Sustainability
• Sustainability in Higher Education
• Global Environment Overview

Click on any of the topics above for more topic-specific resources.

Related Guides

• Climate Change This guide presents selected resources related to climate change and global warming.
• Life Cycle Assessment Guide This guide provides selected resources related to LCA, which is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals This guide presents resources related to the themes of the 17 SDGs.
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies - Environment & Sustainability This guide provides selected resources on the topics of the environment and sustainability as they relate to these regions. Each resource category provides sources on a regional and country basis.
• Earth Day 2023 This guide presents selected resources such as books, journals, films & videos on Earth Day topics.
• Sustainability resources on JSTOR A research guide to the wide range of journals, ebooks, and more than 5,400 Open Access research reports in the field of sustainability. The subjects of resilience and sustainability are explored broadly, covering research on environmental stresses and their impact on society.
• << Previous: Databases for Sustainabilty Research
• Next: Carbon Footprint >>
• Last Updated: Jun 5, 2024 1:38 PM
• URL: https://libguides.wpi.edu/sustainability

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