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Institution: Nottingham Trent University
Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom
Supervisor: Gill Allwood
Funding Body: Arts and Humanities Research Council
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Fully Funded PhD in Sustainable Living and Mental Wellbeing
The East Midlands Sustainable Living and Mental Wellbeing (EM-SLAM) programme at Nottingham Trent University offers a fully funded four-year doctoral studentship focused on the intersection of mental health, climate change, and sustainable living.
This Arts and Humanities Research Council–funded Doctoral Focal Award supports innovative research exploring:
- Climate anxiety
- Ecological grief
- Community mental wellbeing
- Sustainable lifestyle transitions
- Environmental storytelling
The programme encourages qualitative and interpretative research methodologies within a strong storytelling framework. Doctoral researchers will examine how lived experiences, narratives, and community engagement shape responses to environmental crisis and mental health challenges.
Research Focus and Themes
EM-SLAM supports interdisciplinary doctoral research at the intersection of:
- Environmental humanities
- Social sciences
- Arts-based research
- Mental health and wellbeing studies
- Climate communication and narrative
Your PhD proposal should clearly demonstrate how your research will address sustainable living and mental wellbeing through narrative, storytelling, or interpretative frameworks. Strong proposals will highlight:
- Theoretical grounding in sustainability and/or mental health
- Innovative qualitative methodologies
- Community-based or participatory approaches
- Societal impact and policy relevance
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following academic qualifications:
- A background in arts and humanities or social sciences
- A Master’s degree (or international equivalent)
- A first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent
- A lower second-class honours degree may be accepted with a Master’s degree at Merit level (or equivalent)
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- IELTS score of 6.5 overall
- Minimum 6.0 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking
Funding and Financial Support
This AHRC-funded doctoral studentship includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A tax-free annual stipend
- Research training and professional development
- Access to interdisciplinary academic networks
- Support for community engagement and storytelling projects
The programme runs for four years, providing extended time for research, impact activities, and career development.
How to Apply
To apply for the EM-SLAM PhD studentship:
- Submit your doctoral application through Nottingham Trent University’s application system by March 31, 2026.
- Email [email protected] confirming submission and include your application reference number.
- Ensure your academic references are sent to [email protected] by March 31, 2026.
Your research proposal must clearly articulate how your project addresses sustainable living and mental wellbeing through storytelling or interpretative approaches.
Academic Supervision and Support
The programme is led by experienced researchers, including:
- Professor Gill Allwood
- Professor Steven Brown
Doctoral candidates benefit from:
- Expert supervision
- Structured research training
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Career development support
Why Study in Nottingham?
Located in Nottingham, one of the UK’s vibrant cultural and academic cities, Nottingham Trent University offers a strong research environment in sustainability, mental health, and creative methodologies. The university provides access to extensive research facilities, community networks, and professional development resources.
Start Your Doctoral Journey in Sustainable Living and Mental Health
If you are passionate about climate justice, mental wellbeing, and the power of storytelling to drive social change, the EM-SLAM PhD studentship offers a unique opportunity to undertake impactful, fully funded doctoral research in the UK.
Apply by March 31, 2026 to join this pioneering research programme in sustainable living and mental wellbeing.
Apply now at: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/postgraduate/phd/phd-opportunities/find-a-phd-opportunity/projects/social-sciences/east-midlands-sustainable-living-and-mental-wellbeing-em-slam
