PhD Studentship: Blue Communities: Assessing and Reconciling Trade-offs in Marine Planning in UNESCO Man and Biosphere sites in South-east Asia

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Detail information about job PhD Studentship: Blue Communities: Assessing and Reconciling Trade-offs in Marine Planning in UNESCO Man and Biosphere sites in South-east Asia. Terms and conditions vacancy

The University of Exeter is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship to commence in January 2018. The studentship will cover UK/EU/International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £14,553 for 3.5 years full-time. The student would be based in Geography in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Project Description:      

This award is linked to the RCUK Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) supported ‘Blue Communities’ project, a collaboration between Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML, lead), University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, and several institutions across South East Asia.

The overall aim of the project is to: “develop interdisciplinary research capability and lasting collaborations that: facilitate innovative application of integrated planning in the marine environment within the UNESCO Biosphere Programme and other marine parks and their communities in South East Asia, and respond to the UN Sustainable Development Goals of no poverty, zero hunger and good health and well-being for coastal communities through the sustainable use of marine resources”.

Supervised by Dr Louisa Evans and Dr Tomas Chaigneau, the PhD will investigate ecosystem service and wellbeing trade-offs in marine planning within UNESCO Biosphere sites in Malaysia and/or Philippines. The PhD will have three components: a) synthesis of existing international policy on human rights and social justice as well as national priorities on development, food security and public health in case countries; b) analysis of critical trade-offs among marine planning objectives and stakeholder beneficiaries, and; c) critical evaluation of decision-making tools used to reconcile trade-offs.

The post holder will be expected to collaborate extensively with colleagues on the Blue Communities project, and to travel to select partner countries.

Entry requirements:

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area. The ideal candidate will have a degree in geography, politics, development studies or a closely related discipline. They will have experience of using quantitative and qualitative methods. An interest in international development and environmental governance, and research training at Masters level are desirable. They must demonstrate the ability to work well within a team. They must also have excellent organisational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail, and good verbal and written communications skills. Applicants with experience of living or working in South East Asia are particularly encouraged to apply.

If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS and no less than 6.0 in any section by the start of the project.  Alternative tests may be acceptable (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/).

This award provides annual funding to cover UK/EU tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.  For students who pay UK/EU tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £14,553 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.