Political Economy of Production and Consumption Transformations

We are offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in the Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment for one UK candidate starting in October 2026.

<p paraeid="{1c55def1-28c6-4f15-850f-ed3633a3d992}{80}" paraid="1741791902">This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research on the political economy of the UK’s industrial transformation. The scholarship will be part of the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/research-project/1/faculty-of-environment/2189/production-and-consumption-transformations-pact-centre" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Production and Consumption Transformations (PACT)</a> Centre which is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).  </p> <p paraeid="{1c55def1-28c6-4f15-850f-ed3633a3d992}{122}" paraid="726319699">The project will focus on the political economy of production and consumption transformations in the UK. We are particularly interested in examining (1) the political-economic dynamics along production–consumption chains within specific sectors and strategies for intervention, (2) the actors, coalitions, and institutional arrangements that can align industrial strategy with climate and social-ecological goals, and (3) the policy levers needed to bridge production and consumption to catalyse systemic change. As part of this PhD scholarship, there is an option to spend up to six months at DESNZ through a secondment. </p> <p paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{74}" paraid="2013355670">The PhD scholarship will be part of the Production and Consumption Transformations (<a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-innovation/dir-record/research-projects/2189/production-and-consumption-transformations-pact-centre" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">PACT</a>) Centre which is funded by UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2025-2029). The PACT centre examines options for the UK to meet its carbon reduction targets through transformations of production and consumption systems. </p> <p paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{94}" paraid="1754561807">This PhD project takes a political economy approach to examine how structural conditions – such as modes of regulation, systems of economic governance, geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts, capital dynamics, and prevailing norms – interact with key actors, including labour and capital factions, consumers, civil society, and the state. It investigates these interactions within a specific sector (e.g., construction, automotive) and along production-consumption chains, from extraction and manufacturing to distribution and end-user consumption. The goal is to understand how these dynamics enable or constrain systemic changes in production and consumption. As such, the project also explores strategic entry points, alliances, and institutional arrangements that can align industrial strategy with short-term climate goals (2030) and long-term resilience (2050), while also considering broader implications for the nature crisis and the need to ensure a just transition. </p> <p paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{178}" paraid="701304593">Key research questions may include: </p> <ul> <li paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{184}" paraid="2123878605">What are the specific political-economic dynamics at different points along production-consumption chains, and how do they enable or constrain systemic changes in production and consumption? What strategies for intervention are most effective at different points in this chain? </li> <li paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{190}" paraid="1751515983">Which actors, coalitions, and institutional arrangements can align industrial strategy with climate and social-ecological goals, and under what political-economic conditions is this feasible? </li> <li paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{196}" paraid="1095523082">What policy levers and institutional arrangements are most effective in bridging production and consumption to catalyse systemic transformation? </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{206}" paraid="1656836935">Applicants with a background in Ecological Economics; Politics, Philosophy and Economics; Political Economy; Political and Social Ecology; Governance Studies; Human Geography; Public Policy; Sociology (especially with a focus on sustainability or economic systems); and Environmental Studies or Sustainability Science are particularly encouraged to apply. </p> <p paraeid="{a01b7080-8c6d-40d8-8e31-631ba3091df9}{252}" paraid="1372264439">The Leeds-based research team works closely with the other partners and collaborators in the Centre (e.g. University of Sussex, Lancaster University and DESNZ) and there is an opportunity to network and work directly with them as part of the PhD programme. Moreover, as part of this PhD scholarship, there is an option to spend up to six months at DESNZ through a secondment. </p> <p paraeid="{1291c4ed-7367-4d63-99a3-4402f48b8164}{23}" paraid="619601821">The core supervision team consists of Richard Bärnthaler, Sam Betts-Davies, and Charlie Dannreuther. Richard and Sam are based in the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/sustainability-research-institute" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Sustainability Research Institute</a> at the School of Sustainability, Earth and Environment, where there are several dynamic research clusters you could engage with including groups focusing on <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/sustainability-research-institute/doc/economics-policy-sustainability-1" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Economics and Policy for Sustainability</a>, <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/sustainability-research-institute/doc/social-political-dimensions-sustainability-1#:~:text=The%20Social%20and%20Political%20Dimensions,intertwined%2C%20and%20not%20always%20complementary.." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Social and Political Dimensions of Sustainability and </a><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/sustainability-research-institute/doc/energy-climate-change-mitigation-1" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Energy and Climate Change Mitigation</a>. Charlie is based at the <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/103/school-of-politics-and-international-studies---site-homepage" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">School of Politics and International Studies</a>. </p> <p paraeid="{1291c4ed-7367-4d63-99a3-4402f48b8164}{97}" paraid="1453332923">If you are interested in applying and have further questions, please contact Richard Bärnthaler (<a href="mailto:r.barnthaler@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">r.barnthaler@leeds.ac.uk</a>).  </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em>Political Economy of Production and Consumption Transformations</em> as well as <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/economics-policy-sustainability/staff/12593/dr-richard-barnthaler">Dr Richard Bärnthaler</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University'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>

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 School of Earth and Environment 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.

<p>We are offering a fully funded scholarship to study the project “Political Economy of Production and Consumption Transformations” at the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, University of Leeds for one UK status candidate. The funding covers UK tuition fees as well as a UKRI matched maintenance stipend per year, for 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress.</p> <p>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a>.</p> <p>Information about the Award</p> <ul> <li>We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Earth of Environment for one UK candidate, covering a matching UKRI stipend and UK tuition fees for 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress.</li> </ul> <p>Duration of the Award</p> <ul> <li>Full-time (3.5 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</li> </ul> <p>Other Conditions</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Award must be taken up by 1^st October 2026</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whist in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information please contact the Postgraduate Research Admissions Team via ENV-PGR@leeds.ac.uk or lead supervisor Dr Richard Bärnthaler via R.Barnthaler@leeds.ac.uk</p>