Improving management of rural water services

This project will work with the USAID REAL Water project, specifically consortium partner Aguaconsult. They are working with partners and aim to ultimately carry out the research in seven countries, namely: Ghana, Kenya, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia, with initial research activities in Ghana during 2023. The focus is on rural water supplied under three different management arrangements: community based management, private sector provision and public sector provision. The project will collect service delivery performance and other data from water supply facilities under each management model to understand performance and the influence of different management practices and how these vary across contexts. The project will involve fieldwork in several countries. This project would suit a student who has strong data analysis skills. Overall it is an excellent opportunity for a student who wants to build a network with researchers and practitioners and across multiple countries and organisations.

<p><a href="https://www.waterwisercdt.ac.uk/">EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Waste and Water Infrastructure Systems</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC CDT Waste and Water Infrastructure Systems</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong><em>Improving management of rural water services</em></strong> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/478/professor-barbara-evans">Professor Barbara Evans</a> as your proposed supervisor.&nbsp; If you wish to apply for the standard EPSRC CDT Water WISER Programme, you will need to submit a separate application.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 2 May 2023:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information:&nbsp;&nbsp;EPSRC CDT Waste and Water Infrastructure Systems</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water WISER studentship in partnership with Aquaconsult, consisting of the award of fees with a maintenance grant (currently &pound;17,668 in academic session 2022/23) for 4&nbsp;years.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water WISER Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact the CDT Water WISER Centre Manager &ndash;&nbsp;James McKay<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:j.mckay@leeds.ac.uk">j.mckay@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>