Rural Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

PhDs in Rural Planning involve investigating processes associated with designing and managing the physical development of rural areas. Research covers the coordination of land use, transportation, economic development, natural resources, and environmental protection.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Rural Planning?

A PhD in Rural Planning is an advanced degree that prepares students for careers in academia, research and government. Students who earn a PhD in Rural Planning can expect to learn about the theory and practice of planning, policymaking and management in rural areas. They could also develop expertise in a specific area of rural planning, such as land use planning, community development or environmental planning.

There are lots of benefits to conducting research into Rural Planning. First, it can help to improve the quality of life for people who live in rural areas. It can also help to promote economic development and sustainable land use in rural areas, as well as inform policymaking at the local, national and international levels.

Typical research topics for a PhD in Rural Planning could include:

• Local governance
• Community resilience
• Rural enterprise
• Demographic change
• Social exclusion and poverty
• Agricultural processes
• Sustainability
• Climate change resilience

As part of your PhD, you’ll complete an extended dissertation project and may also publish papers or teach during your doctorate.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Rural Planning usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Rural Planning funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Landscape Architecture are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), depending on the focus of your research. This funding will provide a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. You may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Rural Planning (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Rural Planning, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Rural Planning careers

A PhD in Rural Planning can prepare you for a career in a variety of fields, including planning, engineering, landscape architecture and environmental science. It can also help you develop the skills you need to manage the growth and development of rural areas.