Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability PhD

Why choose this programme

The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 30 years. The diversity of Surrey’s interests in this area of research, and the breadth of our staff’s expertise, means we can support PhD/EngD studies ranging across a full spectrum of sustainability research, including pure social science approaches, natural sciences and engineering. The majority of our research in these areas adopts multidisciplinary approaches, which we’ve pioneered for many years.

Our Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability PhD/EngD allows you to pursue research studies at doctoral level while gaining invaluable research experience in a prestigious organisation external to the University, enabling you to apply your knowledge to real-life sustainability issues. You’ll have the unique opportunity to further your research knowledge in the academic field of sustainability and apply this to an external partner organisation.

This programme is aimed at high-achieving researchers and graduates whose vision is to become a sustainability leader in industry. You’ll receive in-depth industry experience with a bespoke taught programme of advanced technical and specialised business modules.

This programme falls within our world-leading Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES), which is internationally recognised for multidisciplinary research and teaching across all areas of sustainability. Collaborative research is carried out across the University, giving you an excellent opportunity to learn from, and contribute to, this vital domain of human development.

What you will study

On this programme, you will further your research knowledge in the academic field of sustainability and apply this to a real challenge, spending most of your time with an external partner organisation.

You’ll be based at the University for the first 12 weeks of the programme. In this time, you’ll undertake a series of sustainability modules and personal development workshops, which will equip you for your time in industry. You’ll then move to your industry premises where you’ll integrate into the company, making your applied research relevant to the company and potentially the wider sector.

You’ll have two academic supervisors, one from CES and one from another relevant University department or school. You’ll also have an industry supervisor, who’ll work alongside you on a day-to-day basis. The academic role of the supervisors is to guide and help train you in becoming an independent researcher whose thesis and associated publications and conference presentations make a contribution to academic and practical knowledge. You’ll collaborate closely with your supervisors, who’ll monitor your research progress through monthly and formal appraisals.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).