MPhil/PhD Studentship in Exploring the impact of wildlife gardening for wellbeing

Investing in excellence: studentship opportunities

The University of Derby has an opportunity for a full-time postgraduate research studentship in zero carbon area of research in the College of Science and Engineering (SE).

The successful applicant will receive a maintenance stipend (based on the minimum stipend defined by UKRI, currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27) and home MPhil/PhD tuition fees (£5,238 - subject to amendment) only up to the target submission date.

The intended intake period is January 2027.

Please note: This studentship is only open to Home applicants.

The successful applicant will be expected to complete their MPhil/PhD within 3 years on the MPhil/PhD route, contribute to the College REF submission and get involved in the wider research activities of the College.

Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.

The vacancy details are as follows:

Project description

There is a growing literature base linking experiencing wildlife with human wellbeing. However, the evidence of gardening for wildlife’s benefit is limited. Wildlife gardening blends physical activity, environmental stewardship, creativity, and reciprocal care for nature. It may serve as a particularly important form of human nature interaction. Yet, it remains unclear if gardening to support wildlife produces distinct wellbeing benefits through environmental stewardship and nature engagement. Understanding these impacts is increasingly important in the context of biodiversity decline, urbanisation, and rising mental health concerns. In partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, this PhD will evaluate the impact of wildlife gardening on human wellbeing.

Purpose/objectives 

• Assess the current evidence base linking wildlife gardening and wellbeing
• Evaluate the wellbeing impacts of participating in wildlife gardening activities
• Explore the mechanisms through which wildlife gardening influences wellbeing
• Examine changes in biodiversity perception and nature connectedness after initiating gardening for wildlife at home

Potential project impact 

This project has the potential to provide the first robust evidence of the wellbeing benefits of wildlife gardening, informing Royal Horticultural Society guidance, biodiversity-friendly gardening initiatives, nature-based health interventions, and public policies that simultaneously support human wellbeing and biodiversity recovery.

Principal accountabilities and responsibilities

Undertake and successfully complete a programme of doctoral research on the wellbeing impacts of wildlife gardening, including conducting literature reviews, designing and delivering quantitative and qualitative research, recruiting and engaging participants, analysing and interpreting data, disseminating findings through publications and presentations, collaborating with the Royal Horticultural Society and project supervisors, and contributing to public engagement activities that promote biodiversity-friendly gardening and nature-based wellbeing.

To apply

Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.

Completed applications should be submitted via our online application system and it is important that you quote the funding reference: EXT_CoSE_RHS_26-27

Apply online

Closing dates for applications: Wednesday 28 October 2026.

Interviews: Week commencing 16 November 2026.

If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

For other enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:

Miles Richardson - m.richardson@derby.ac.uk

Carly Butler - c.butler2@derby.ac.uk

Ashby Sachs - ashbysachs@rhs.org.uk

Getting started

Before you begin your application, make sure you have:

Studentship funding reference code

It is important that you quote the funding reference: EXT_CoSE_RHS_26-27 in your application, at the top of your personal statement.

Personal statement

A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.

Your CV

A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.

Qualifications

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.

Photo ID

A scanned copy of your photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. This will help us verify your application to study with us.

Academic references

Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.