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AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) studentship
National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) / University College London – Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
UCL and NBGW are pleased to announce the availability of a fully-funded Collaborative doctoral studentship from October 2026, under the AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme.
Botanical gardens offer spaces for nature, learning, and reflection, yet their soundscapes are often overlooked. This project investigates how the acoustic environment of the National Botanic Garden of Wales can support well being, biodiversity, inclusivity, and conservation. It explores how natural and human sounds shape feelings of calm, connection, and identity, and how sound aware design can make the Garden more welcoming. The study examines four areas: designing restorative soundscapes; understanding ecological and psychological impacts; applying the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscape) (Wales) Act; and engaging underrepresented groups. It positions sound as an active tool for conservation and community engagement.
This PhD examines how botanical garden soundscapes can restore wellbeing and support conservation and ecological awareness. While visual features of green spaces are well studied, everyday natural sounds strongly shape people’s experiences and sense of belonging. The project will explore how sound-informed design at the NBGW can enhance public engagement, biodiversity stewardship, and inclusive access to nature.
The AHRC award pays tuition fees up to the value of the full-time home UKRI rate for PhD degrees and full maintenance for all students. The National Minimum Doctoral Stipend for 2026/27 is £21,805 (rising in alignment with UKRI) plus a CDP maintenance payment of £600/year. plus London Weighting of £2,000 per year.
The successful student will be expected to spend time at both the UCL and NBWG, both in person and online.
Knowledge of the Welsh language is desirable, but the student will also be given the opportunity to develop relevant Welsh language skills. The appropriate programme will be identified in collaboration with the second supervisor: be it an entry-level course (e.g. Learn Welsh’s Cwrs Mynediad) or a professional skills course (Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Tystysgrif Sgiliau Iaith). However, all applicants must meet the minimum language requirements of UCL. The English language level for this programme is: Level 2.
The student would not be employed as a member of staff at NBWG.
Further information about this PhD project, Person specification, contacts, interview process can be found here.
Closing date: Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm BST on Thursday 30 April 2026.
How to apply: Please make an online application for this project here.
