"PhD Studentship: Exploring the circular economy from accounting and regulatory perspectives"

University of Essex - Essex Business School / Government

Qualification Type:	Integrated Masters / Doctorate
Location:	Colchester, Essex
Funding amount:	£20,780
Hours:	Full Time
Placed On:	19th January 2026
Closes:	13th April 2026
Reference:	11380

Project Overview

This is an opportunity to conduct fully funded research under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.

The impact of climate change on human lives, livelihoods and ecosystems is well documented in broader sustainability literature and there are greater calls to address these ‘wicked’ (i.e., environmental and social) problems to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These challenges highlight the need for stronger regulatory institutions, multi-stakeholder coordination, and long-term policy frameworks capable of steering societies towards resource-efficiency. The current linear economic model has been contributing to the cheap mass (off-shore) production of electronics,clothing, and other goods, increasing consumption, industrial emissions and record levels of waste. This raises two important questions – whether the current level of production, consumption and trade is sustainable and whether there is any alternative economic model. The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a new and potential alternative economic model which is aimed at limiting the negative environmental impacts, reducing the use of finite materials resources and achieving sustainable economic growth. This project will analyse the issues related to the circular economy, its adoption and implementation in business, and the role of accounting, accountability, and regulation in the transition from the linear economic model to a circular economy. Incorporating insights from environmental governance and political economy, the study will explore how institutional structures, power dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and accountability mechanisms shape CE practices and outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods

By taking an interdisciplinary approach, you will explore and analyse the issues related to circular economy, sustainability and accountability from a business perspective and how this intersects with, or informs, the current national/global regulatory landscape regarding the adoption and implementation of a circular economy in the organisational context, using either qualitative or quantitative or mixed-methods (i.e., a mix of both - quantitative and qualitative) approaches.

Training and Support

You will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of Proficio, which entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally Leverhulme scholars are entitled to £10,000 that can be used for further training. Doctoral scholars are encouraged to audit masters and degree level courses where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team as well as your own supervisory team. Additionally all Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available.

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a UK Masters’ degree (or equivalent) / background in business/ management/ accounting with an interest in environmental politics, including in relation to environmental political economy.

It is not necessary for the applicant to have prior knowledge or experience in the field of political science as that will be provided on the programme.

Research Proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team.