The Beyond Green PhD project addresses Nottingham’s post-2023 sustainability challenges, focusing on the Central Library and nearby urban green spaces as models for community-led environmental engagement. Through co-design with library users and Nottingham College learners, the project will develop and test an innovative outdoor and place-based education curriculum.
This collaborative research between the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and GrowNotts supports the city’s ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2028 (CN28).
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, 30th November 2025
Start Date: Wednesday, 1st April 2026
Host University: University of Nottingham
School/Department: Education
Tuition Fees: Fully covered (approx. £15,000–£17,000 across the full PhD programme)
Stipend: £20,780 per annum (pro rata, tax-free)
Working Hours: Full-time (minimum 37.5 hours per week)
Working Style: Primarily in-person at the University of Nottingham. Flexible working is supported, and the working pattern will be agreed upon with the lead supervisor.
In 2019, Nottingham City Council declared a climate and ecological emergency, setting the ambitious goal of becoming the UK’s first carbon-neutral city by 2028 (CN28). As part of this mission, the redevelopment of urban green spaces—such as the Broadmarsh site (Green Heart and surrounding areas)—was identified as essential for promoting environmental engagement and community development.
However, following the 2023 financial crisis, which led the Council to declare effective bankruptcy, serious questions have emerged about the sustainability of these green spaces. Without long-term frameworks for community ownership and engagement, these areas risk underuse, neglect, and increasing social exclusion.
The Beyond Green PhD project responds to these challenges by focusing on Nottingham Central Library and nearby urban green ventures as a testing ground for innovative approaches to environmental education and community engagement.
Rather than addressing “the community” in broad terms, the research will work directly with defined groups—library users and Nottingham College learners—to co-design, deliver, and evaluate a pilot curriculum for outdoor and place-based education.
This project is a collaborative effort between researchers from the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and GrowNotts. The successful PhD candidate will be enrolled at the University of Nottingham.
Lead Academic Supervisor: Dr Francesca Salvi – University of Nottingham
Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr Ana Souto Galvan – Nottingham Trent University
Community Supervisor: Jack Harris – GrowNotts
The main objectives of Beyond Green are:
To co-develop a partnership framework between Universities for Nottingham, Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham College, and selected urban green initiatives—clarifying roles, shared aims, and collaboration models for outdoor learning.
To design and implement a pilot curriculum for outdoor and place-based education tailored to Nottingham Central Library users, with a focus on young people, adult learners, families, or another defined demographic.
To evaluate the pilot in practice, examining:
Learner experiences and outcomes;
Contributions to wellbeing, belonging, and environmental engagement;
The sustainability and scalability of such partnerships for urban communities.
Strong understanding of the project and its subject matter.
Analytical and detail-oriented research mindset.
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and precisely.
Capacity to identify patterns, gaps, and connections in data.
Logical and empathetic interpretation of data and information.
Resilience and adaptability in changing contexts.
Constructive problem-solving and perseverance.
Passion for learning and curiosity-driven research.
Commitment to making a positive community impact.
Deep engagement with academic theory and critical thinking.
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
Self-motivation and capacity to work independently.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
Willingness to develop technical and professional skills.
Genuine interest in community-engaged research.
Understanding the importance of diverse experiences and perspectives.
Appreciation for community insight in knowledge creation.
Awareness of societal issues related to urban sustainability and inclusion.
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Ability to explain the value and contribution of the research to both knowledge and beneficiaries. | Willingness to ask challenging “why” questions about the topic and research process. |
| Capacity to tailor communication to different audiences. | Adaptability in response to change and new research developments. |
| Strong organisational skills, with flexibility to adjust goals as new ideas emerge. | Initiative to propose constructive improvements. |
| Respect for diverse viewpoints and fairness in collaboration. | Enthusiasm to contribute to debates and research conversations in the field. |
Interested candidates can apply here
Deadline: 11:59pm (UK time), 30th November 2025.
Start Date: 1st April 2026.
Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a formal Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before appointment.
For more opportunities:
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