Leading to Address Climate Change

PhD studentship in Leadership on “Leading to Address Climate Change” at College of Business and Law, UWE Bristol.

Closing date for applications: 23 January 2023 

Start date of this studentship: 1 April 2023

This PhD project aims to generate learning on planned and emergent approaches to leadership in the face of global climate challenges. The project will offer compelling conceptual and empirical research evidence on alternative views of leadership and leading in relation to this most significant challenge facing organisations and societies around the world. 

The successful PhD candidate will be interested in extending understanding of leadership through workers / citizens / communities / social movements that holds the potential for change in leadership practices. The project should strive to explore the role of leadership in framing concepts such as sustainability and climate change, as well as mobilising influence and authority to address the crisis.

Successful applicants will bring a critical eye to the topic of climate leadership and will explore leadership that disrupts the status quo and facilitates systems change.  

This PhD research will draw on the expertise at Bristol Leadership and Change Centre (BLCC) in unleadership, community leadership, systems leadership, paradox and complexity, sustainability, leadership ethics and the practice of attention. At BLCC, we take a fresh approach to leadership with a commitment to uncovering alternative ways of organising and leading that transcends hierarchical models of leadership focussing predominantly on the skills and abilities of senior level leaders. We welcome applications that draw on a wide range of theoretical perspectives that can enrich studies of climate leadership. 

The studentship reflect ongoing commitment of the College of Business and Law at UWE to the development of its doctoral programmes. Prospective student will be based in the Bristol Business School, which is home to several multidisciplinary research groups.

Doctoral Students at the College benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from the Doctoral Academy, including extensive professional development programme and research skills training and careers advice. Find out more about the Doctoral Academy.

For informal discussion about the studentship, please contact Director of Doctoral Research, Dr Pawel Capik at pawel.capik@uwe.ac.uk.

For informal discussion of the research proposal contact Dr Selen Kars at Selen.Kars@uwe.ac.uk.

Studentship is available from 1 April 2023 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress, and includes tax exempt stipend at £17,668 per annum. 

Full-time home/international tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.

Applicants must have at least 2.1 degree in business management or cognate discipline, and preferably Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65% UK grading scale or international equivalent). 

A recognised English language qualification is required. IELTS score of 7.0 overall or equivalent.

• Prepare your research proposal (max 5 pages all-inclusive; font size 11, 1.5-spacing, 2-inch margins). This should happen in consultation with the potential supervisor.
• You should contact the potential supervisor with an advanced draft of the proposal to confirm they are willing to support your application.
• Submit your application online. Use the reference number 2223-APR-FBL04

Supporting Documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts and proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Please ensure your nominated referees are able to provide references within 14 days of your application.  

Closing date for applications: 23 January 2023 

Interviews will take place in February. If you have not heard from us by 31 January, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.