PhD Studentship: ‘Consumption Work’ and Its Environmental Impact on the Circular Economy

Project Overview 

This is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded masters degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.   

Only UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply: 

• Not already have a Master’s degree. 
• Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by, for example, being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies.  

and/or  

Be one of the following categories of ethnicity:  

• Black African  
• Black Caribbean 
• Black Other  
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean  
• Mixed – White and Black African  
• Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)  

The successful applicant would study an appropriate master’s degree, such as: 

1. MA Advertising, Marketing and Media  
2. MA Sociology   
3. MA Sociological Research Methods 

The research project will explore circular economies, focusing on waste and consumption practices. As resources become scarcer, adopting circular economy principles—such as extending the life of products and materials—is important. The project would examine how circular innovations depend on changes in how consumers and businesses procure, use, and dispose of products. Using the concept of 'consumption work'—the labour involved in using, reusing, and disposing of goods and how this work interdepends with systems of provision —the project aims to understand how circular economies rely on, but may overlook, ‘circular consumer’ efforts. This study will investigate how circular economies operate in practice, emphasizing the work consumers perform in supporting sustainable business models. 

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods

This project would select a case study[ies] by looking at the work consumers perform alongside various forms of sustainability accounting used to justify, report and promote circular innovations in business models. It would integrate sociological perspectives on consumer markets, consumption work and sustainability with business insights on sustainability accounting and use qualitative methodologies to investigate how consumers and business stakeholders understand and engage with circular economy processes. 

Training and Support 

You will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training programme, which offers interdisciplinary research methods, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars also have access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training. You may audit relevant courses and will be supported by both the Sustainable Transitions management team and your supervisory team. Additionally, all scholars can join the University of Essex’s ‘Centre for Environment and Society,’ which provides events and networking opportunities. 

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in Sociology, Business studies, Sustainability or Marketing, with an interest in qualitative methodologies.  

It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in sociological research methods as this will be provided on the programme, but it would be an advantage. 

Research Proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

Home tuition fee waiver.  

Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2024-25 is £19,237. The rate for 2025-26 TBA.

Closing Date: 11:59pm GMT on Friday 18th April 2025

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