Political geographies of digital and robotic technologies

About the Project

Enquiries and applications are invited for a PhD project in the area of political geographies of digital and robotic technologies. Applicants are particularly encouraged where a project encompass one or more of the following themes:

• Geographies of verticality and volume
• Feminist geopolitics and geographies
• Drone geographies
• Aerial and airspace geographies
• Geographies of the urban built environments and futures

Candidates are invited to contact Dr Anna Jackman (a.h.jackman@reading.ac.uk) to explore and discuss ideas. You can read more about Anna’s research interests at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ges/staff/anna-jackman and publications at: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4832-4955.

Human Geography at Reading:

Prospective applicants would join a vibrant human geography research community. Human geographers at Reading are based in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science (GES) (https://www.reading.ac.uk/ges/research), within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES). The Human Geography Research Cluster (HGRG) (https://www.reading.ac.uk/ges/research/human-geography-research-cluster) focuses on addressing critical 21st Century challenges around human communities and their interactions with the environment within an increasingly globalised world. The Cluster foregrounds ‘real world’ relevance and stakeholder engagement, taking a highly interdisciplinary and participatory approach. The Cluster centres social impacts and research that is transformative for participants, communities, practitioners, policymakers, students, and other ‘publics’. Human geographers at the University of are also active in the Global Development Research Division. The division conducts research that promotes social justice and equality, while raising awareness of the global challenges surrounding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving specialist supervision. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that can help support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Human Geography or cognate disciplines

International applicants will need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD via ouronline application system.

Please include a personal statement of up to 500 words, outlining why you would like to apply for this PhD.

Further information:

Department of Geography and Environmental Science

*Please note that, if a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this would be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.*

Funding Notes

If relevant, applicants are encouraged to apply for relevant external competitions (e.g. SEDarc). View Website and View Website Contact the proposed supervisor to discuss potential opportunities further.

Schemes include the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc). Information about this can be found here: View Website SEDarc applications must relate to specified challenge-led themes. Students who have already commenced doctoral study cannot apply for this funding. Applicants should consult the website for information on relevant scheme eligibility and deadlines, they are encouraged to contact the proposed supervisor in good time in order to develop an application.