"PhD Studentship: From Surviving to Thriving: Making Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland a UK Beacon for Community and Social Enterprise"

Loughborough University - Loughborough Business School

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Loughborough

Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students

Funding amount: £20,780 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Placed On: 14th January 2026

Closes: 27th February 2026

Reference: LB26-JR/DS

Project details

This project seeks to explore: why do Community and Social Enterprises (CSEs) in some parts of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) thrive while others are struggling to survive? Working with national partners (e.g. Cooperatives UK, Locality, Social Enterprise UK, workers.coop, Plunkett UK), the research will analyse why LLR can be a relatively more challenging place for CSEs to thrive than in other parts of the UK and what novel polices, and actions could help accelerate and strengthen social entrepreneurship across LLR, and in other areas of the UK and beyond lacking a strong social economy.

Building on reflexive ethnographic methodology, data will be analysed collaboratively with the research participants. During fieldwork the researcher will undertake ethnographic research which involves: working in a number of CSE project partners, attending a series of meetings and events with the aforementioned, interviewing participants to understand the significance of observed practices as well as analysing digital stories gathered with project partners.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Jen Robinson

Secondary supervisor(s): Dr Daniel Sage

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) with a UK master's degree (with an average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent.

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

This project is advertised as a fully funded studentship, subject to final approval by the University.

How to apply

Put together your research proposal (between 2500 to 3000 words including references). Share your research proposal with the identified supervisor(s) and confirm they are willing to be named in support of your application. You are also encouraged to ask for feedback to develop your research proposal.

All applications should be made online via the above 'Apply' button. Under programme name, select ‘Business School'. Please upload with your application a research proposal, copies of your transcripts/certificates, English language certificate and contact details of two academic references, one of which must be from your most recent degree. Please quote the project reference number LB26-JR/DS.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them take a decision on your application.

Contact details

Email: j.h.robinson@lboro.ac.uk