Fully Funded PhD in Black Carbon

Project Overview

About the Position

This Sheffield ECOSOLUTIONS doctorate studies interactions between legacy pollution and agricultural management.

Black carbon and heavy metals are examined alongside contemporary farming chemicals.

Official Project Title

Black carbon in upland and agricultural landscapes - consequences for food production and climate change mitigation

Research Focus and Methods

Use field and laboratory work in the Dearne Valley to investigate soil chemistry, ecosystem services and management options. Develop evidence relevant to food production, carbon storage and environmental policy.

Research Training and Development

Training includes soil sampling, spatial analysis and engagement with farmers and land managers.

Funding and Duration

Studentship funding and award conditions

Component	Details
Award	PhD studentship; selection is competitive
Programme	NERC ECOSOLUTIONS
Duration	45 months (three years and nine months)
Stipend	UKRI-rate living stipend. The programme quotes £21,805 per year for 2026/27; the 2027/28 rate is not yet published on the checked funding page.
Tuition and research support	Competitive NERC ECOSOLUTIONS scholarship covering tuition and a UKRI-rate stipend for 45 months.
Award conditions	A project listing is an invitation to compete for programme funding; international awards are limited.
Stipend amount status	£21,805 is the published 2026/27 reference rate. Subsequent academic-year rates and the amount in an individual funding offer should be checked separately.

Eligibility and English Language

Applicant qualifications and funding eligibility

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	UK/Home and international applicants; Sheffield has very limited funded international places.
Academic preparation	At least an upper-second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Project interests and skills	The project combines field, laboratory and quantitative environmental research; project 14.
English language	Meet the host university’s English-language admission rules. An approved alternative or exemption may apply; IELTS is not universally mandatory.

About University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield is a public research university in Sheffield, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education across engineering, science, medicine, business, humanities and social sciences. Its academic community connects research and teaching with practical challenges in health, technology, sustainability and society.

Official website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/

Application Dates and Location

Deadline, start date and research location

Item	Details
Application deadline	30 November 2026
Start date	September 2027; exact start day not specified
Research location	Sheffield, United Kingdom

Important Notes

Application deadline: 30 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

Read the official ECOSOLUTIONS programme page and the linked project advert.
Use the Apply now link on the official programme page and identify the relevant project.
Follow the application form’s current supporting-document instructions; the programme page does not provide a complete document checklist.
Contact the project supervisor for project-specific questions.

Applications are assessed by the programme committee; shortlisted candidates are invited to online interviews. The interview date is not yet specified.

Supervisors and Contact

Supervisory team and contact details

Supervisor	Role	Email
Professor Jill Edmondson	Primary Supervisor	j.edmondson@sheffield.ac.uk
Dr Ben Keane	Co-supervisor	ben.keane@york.ac.uk
Dr Susan Zappala	Co-supervisor	Not found in the checked official sources
Professor Gareth Phoenix	Co-supervisor	g.phoenix@sheffield.ac.uk

A confirmed public email was not located in the checked official sources for Dr Susan Zappala. Use the listed primary contact or programme enquiry route.

Application Preparation

For application preparation, see How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips, Is a PhD Funded for International Students? How to Check the Advert and PhD Interview Preparation: Research Questions and Clear Answers.

Official Link

Application guides

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Frequently asked questions

Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.

What is the deadline for PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK?

The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source gives neither a closing time nor a time zone.

Is PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK fully funded?

This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year.

Who is eligible to apply for PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK?

This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Sheffield.

How do I apply for PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK?

Applications for PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK are submitted directly to University of Sheffield through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.

Is an English proficiency test required for PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK?

Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.

What study level does PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK offer?

This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.

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PhD in Black Carbon and Agricultural Soils at University of Sheffield, UK