I welcome approaches from potential PhD students who wish to carry out research in an area aligned to my interests. If you are interested in working with me towards a PhD, please email me a brief CV (2 pages) and a brief outline (no more than 2 pages, a paragraph or two is fine) describing your proposed project. If the project fits well, and I have capacity to take on new students, I will meet you either online or in-person (depending on where you are based) to discuss your ideas further. I also encourage you to visit Exeter University on an Open Day, to get a feel for the campus. Depending on the outcome of these discussions / visits, I will work with you to finalise a full proposal for funding.

The majority of my PhD students are funded through the SWDTP 1+3 scholarship via either the Sustainable Futures pathway, or the Human Geography pathway. Note that the SWDTP funding deadline is 14 January 2022.

An alternative PhD funding option includes the joint QUEX PhD scholarship, with co-supervision from an academic based at The University of Queensland (so this route is potentially particularly suited to those working on visual communication). The QUEX deadline has previously been in May, though may be subject to change.

A further option is applying for PhD matched funding (between, say, your employer together with the University of Exeter) and is particularly suited to students already working in industry (broadly conceived): PhD student Kate Holden is funded through this pathway (see Kate’s bio on my ‘PhD students‘ page, for more information).

Whatever the pathway, PhD funding is incredibly competitive. When assessing applications from potential students, I am looking for both academic ability (usually evidenced by a First Class undergraduate degree and/or a Distinction at Masters level and/or equivalent workplace experience) but also enthusiasm and determination (essential qualities for a PhD programme!)