Achieving Net Zero through farm level audits on Gloucestershire Council farms  

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, UWE Bristol. This is a joint studentship with Hartpury University. See the Hartpury website for further details and application process.

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 October 2022.
The closing date for applications is 26 June 2022.

The aim of this project is to compare carbon auditing tools on commercial farms and explore how farm carbon measurements can be implemented to refine current predictions. Farms often bring diversity to the rural landscape in terms of animals, plants, soil and surrounding environment with opportunities to sequester carbon and recycle resources. However, there is no standard carbon accounting tool to benchmark farms. Given the land area that farms generally occupy, and often with areas of grassland and woodland, there is considerable interest in how land is managed to reduce carbon and nitrogen losses to the environment.

This project is a collaboration between Hartpury University, University of West of England, Bristol and Gloucestershire Council to investigate how current available carbon accounting tools and measurements can be implemented on Council farms to enhance carbon auditing and explore mitigation options. The hypothesis is that on-farm carbon measurements can enhance carbon footprinting and identifying ways to reduce carbon emissions. The work would suit a student with an interest in environmental monitoring and farming systems.

The overall aim will be met through a series of project objectives:

1. Implement carbon audits of Gloucestershire Council farms.
2. identify areas to refine carbon accounting using on-farm measurements.
3. Identify areas for reducing carbon emissions.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email adrian.crew@uwe.ac.uk or matt.bell@hartpury.ac.uk

The studentship is available from 1 October 2022 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £16,602 per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.

• The strength of your professional and academic profile, as demonstrated through previous study and/or professional experience
• The quality, invention and viability of ideas relating to the research project you are applying for
• The contribution you are able to make to the Hartpury and UWE Bristol research communities and universities, in terms of both research and teaching

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

The normal expectation is that applicants will hold at least a 2:1 or a Masters qualification from a UK university or a degree of comparable standing from a university outside the UK. The candidate’s degree relevant to the studentship should demonstrate their potential for practice-led research or alternative evidence of research aptitude.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a recognised English language qualification. The minimum entry requirement is GCSE English at grade C or above or IELTS score 7.0 or TOEFL score 600 (or demonstrable equivalent).

To apply for a PhD studentship you must send the following documents to RKE.administrator@hartpury.ac.uk.

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Copies of academic transcripts
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship
• A recent piece of critical writing you have completed (max 3000 words)
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification 

The closing date for applications is 26 June 2022.

Interviews will take place on 4 July 2022.  If you have not heard from us by 30 June 2022, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.