Human Geography: ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership Collaborative PhD Studentship: Vegetation Fires and their Management: from Perceptions to Policy

Swansea University, supported by the ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership for Wales (Wales DTP), invites applications for funded PhD study, available to start in October 2018. The following collaborative studentship is available in the Human Geography pathway of the Wales DTP:

‘Vegetation Fires and their Management: from Perceptions to Policy’ (working title)

In collaboration with Brecon Beacons National Park, Natural Resources Wales, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Forestry Commission England, and Welsh Water.

The project builds on a successful pilot study that focused on the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its broader reach and scope make it ideal for a UK-wide study. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods will identify and analyse the content of and differences within stakeholder groups’ and the wider public’s perceptions of vegetation fires. Statistically analysed surveys of urban and rural residents will provide generalised understanding. Qualitative approaches, such as key-informant interviews and contextual ‘walking’ interviews, will provide insights into the everyday place of vegetation fires. Target groups include land-management bodies, policy-makers, farmers, leisure users, and the public.

Besides academic insights into UK society’s perceptions of vegetation fires, project outcomes will inform land managers and policy-makers on promising approaches to wildfire prevention and future use of managed burning. Overall, the project combines both intellectual and applied ambitions.

Eligibility

ESRC studentships are highly competitive. Candidates should have an excellent background in the social sciences, holding a 1st or strong upper 2nd class degree; applications from those also holding a relevant research training Master’s degree (or an equivalent background in research training) will be considered for a ‘+3’ award.

Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements.

Full-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold either a full-time job, or a permanent part-time job, during the period of their award. Part-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold a full-time job.