Sustainable Futures

The Sustainable Futures PhD programme from University of Bristol interdisciplinary pathway in sustainable futures seeks to produce a new
generation of researchers who can address the pressing social issues of
sustainability in the face of a growing global population.

The Sustainable Futures Sustainable Futures PhD programme from University of Bristol University of Bristol sustainability research asks how human wellbeing can be maintained and enhanced in the long term, given rising populations, limited natural resources and a fragile environment.

The field, with its clear applied focus and strong strategic future-directed policy implications, has social sciences at its heart. It also requires a broad interdisciplinary approach and an understanding of economics, law, the politics and psychology of sustainability, and the geography and demographics of those affected. 

We therefore deliberately expose students to a broad range of material to help them appreciate and understand interconnected perspectives and to provide them with skills to work effectively across disciplines. We welcome students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds.

Career opportunities:

The PhD in Sustainable Futures offers useful preparation for related careers in the public, private or civic sectors, as well as in academia. 

In the public sector, it may open opportunities in government departments and agencies at international, national and local levels. In the private sector, it provides training and analytical skills of relevance to careers in consultancy or environmental management, for example. In the civic sector, it can lead to careers with environmental NGOs or development bodies.

Courses include:

• Human Geography

• Climate and Society

• Energy Policy

• Governance, Ethics and Social Justice

• Law