Please check regularly for future opportunities.
Please find details of fully or partially funded PhD opportunities below. To make enquiries please contact rsa@cumbria.ac.uk
MPhil Research Project: Flight Ecology
MPhil Research Project: Exploring a range of novel technologies for remote monitoring of bat populations
About the Project:
The Research Aim:
This MPhil Research Project aim investigates the effectiveness of traditional and remote monitoring techniques for bats. It will support the host business (Flight Ecology) to develop innovative methods for remote monitoring and monitoring technology.
- To identify methods that reduce site visits, whilst still providing effective monitoring data, through the use of a range of remote monitoring technologies- e.g. trail cameras, and static acoustic detection, such as AudioMoth.
- To calculate potential carbon saving of remote monitoring when compared to traditional methods of monitoring (e.g. emissions from multiple researchers travelling to a site).
- To calculate costs associated with different monitoring methods to support business operation and market competitiveness.
- To identify methods of data collection that are both more time efficient for the researcher and less invasive on the target species.
Supervision Team:
Dr Alex Dittrich & Dr Volker Deecke, Institute of Science and Environment, University of Cumbria
Details:
- Applicants should have a degree in Ecology/ Zoology or Engineering/ IT, or other degree with a strong understanding of a range of research methods and remote monitoring technology.
- Annual stipend of £15,609 (tax-free)
- Annual expenses allowance £500 (subject to eligibility of costs)
- Funded UK/EU tuition fees
- Duration- 2 years. The first year of research is funded through the European Regional Development Fund – Eco-I NW Project . Further funding to support continuing study for Year 2 will potentially be available, dependent on funding allocation and satisfactory completion of Year 1.
- Join a cohort of student researchers working on industry-led eco-innovation projects
- Work alongside a leading industry partner (Flight Ecology)
- This project is based at the University of Cumbria, Carlisle Campus, in the centre of an historic city.
- Finish in a strong position to enter a competitive job market in the UK and overseas.
How to Apply:
- Applications from UK/EU students only
To apply, please email the below documents to: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk
- Application Form
- MPhil Research Proposal
- PDF scanned copies of certificates & transcripts (list of degree module grades achieved) for all completed undergraduate & postgraduate degrees
Application deadline: Midnight on Sunday 27th February 2022
Initial interview date: Wednesday 9th March 2022
Start: Friday 1st April 2022
Please download the Application Form and guidance for writing a Research Proposal here
MPhil Research Project: Virtual Reality Nature & Carbon Management - Investigating the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) nature-based experiences
This MPhil Research Project aim is to investigate the costs and environmental benefits associated with ‘real’ and ‘virtual’ nature engagement activities.
MPhil Research Project: Virtual Reality Nature & Carbon Management
MPhil Research Project: Virtual Reality Nature & Carbon Management - Investigating the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) nature-based experiences
About the Project:
The Research Aim
This MPhil Research Project aim is to investigate the costs and environmental benefits associated with ‘real’ and ‘virtual’ nature engagement activities. It will support the host business (Wild Garsdale Pike) to explore the efficacy of what a new range of virtual reality (VR) experiences offer, with lower carbon implications due to reduced visitor journeys, while attracting virtual and physical visitors, engaging a wider client base & demographic and building a sustainable, transferable business model.
It will:
- Create a virtual Garsdale Pike outdoor walk (reproducing a nature walk in the exact same location used for the outdoor walk)
- Develop a standardised data collection/evaluation approach across three domains: Environmental Perceptions, Physical Engagement and Affective Responses. It will also collect qualitative data by asking respondents a series of open-ended questions after completing all three experiences.
- Develop a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)/accounting approach to include additional variables such as travel cost and time, to calculate carbon savings associated with reduced travel to site.
- Alongside the MPhil dissertation, the project will also develop a site management plan and film
- Work with the existing ecological survey of Wild Garsdale Pike in order to have data available to assess the implications of reduced footfall on the site for biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Supervision Team:
- Ian Convery, Prof of Environment & Society, Institute of Science and Environment at the University of Cumbria, second supervisor TBC.
Details:
- Applicants should have an environmental science or geography based degree, with an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. An understanding of VR would be desirable.
- Annual stipend of £15,609 (tax-free)
- Annual expenses allowance £500 (subject to eligibility of costs)
- Funded UK tuition fees
- Duration - 2 years. The first year of research is funded through the European Regional Development Fund – Eco-I NW Project . Please note, further funding to support continuing study for Year 2 will potentially be available, dependent on funding allocation and satisfactory completion of Year 1.
- Join a cohort of student researchers working on industry-led eco-innovation projects.
- Work alongside a leading industry partner (Wild Garsdale Pike)
- This project is based at the University of Cumbria, Carlisle Campus, an historic city location.
- Finish in a strong position to enter a competitive job market in the UK and overseas.
Application Process
- Applications from UK students only
- Application Form
- MPhil Research Proposal
- PDF scanned copies of certificates & transcripts (list of degree module grades achieved) for all completed undergraduate & postgraduate degrees
To apply, email the below documents to: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk
Please download the Application Form and guidance for writing a Research Proposal here
Application deadline: 9am on Monday 21st March 2022
Initial interview date: Thursday 24th March 2022
Start: Friday 1st April 2022