University of Bristol Law School
Phd in Sustainable Futures
Bristol, United Kingdom
PhD
DURATION
8 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jun 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Sustainability research asks how ecosystems and human wellbeing can be maintained and enhanced in the long term, given rising populations, limited natural resources and a fragile environment. Rooted in social sciences, the field is applied and policy-oriented, with a strong focus on future-directed, strategic solutions.
The programme requires a broad, interdisciplinary approach, drawing on disciplines such as economics, law, politics, psychology of sustainability, geography, and demography. Students are exposed to diverse perspectives to build the knowledge and skills required to work collaboratively across disciplines. We welcome students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds.
You will typically be registered in the school of your first supervisor, which may differ from the school handling your application.
PhD students will follow the structure of the school of their primary supervisor and attend any mandatory units, unless exempted, by applying for Recognised Prior Learning.
ESRC/SWDTP students may be required to take additional credits as determined by SWDTP.
University of Bristol is 8th in the UK and 51st in the world (QS World University rankings 2026)
Choosing the PhD Climate Change, Sustainability and Society from the University of Bristol, ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (THE analysis of REF 2021), prepares you for a range of careers, including:
- Academia
- Public sector roles in government, national and international agencies
- Private sector roles in consultancy or environmental management
- Civic sector roles in environmental NGOs and development bodies.


