Project details
Flooding is one of the most urgent urban challenges of our time. It not only damages homes and infrastructure but also disrupts health, livelihoods, and access to essential services. These impacts fall most heavily on vulnerable communities, yet existing models of flood risk remain narrowly focused on physical hazards and often fail to capture the lived realities of those most at risk.
This PhD project offers an opportunity to rethink how we understand and map urban flood risk in ways that are fairer, more inclusive, and scientifically robust. You will work at the intersection of community knowledge-building, geospatial data science, and disaster risk reduction, developing methods that combine participatory mapping with advanced spatial modelling.
With support from UNITAC and academic partners, you will co-design workshops with communities in flood-prone cities (locations chosen to fit your background and experience). Residents will share insights about safe and unsafe spaces, overlooked risks, and coping strategies. These insights will be digitised and scaled using open datasets (e.g. WorldPop, OpenStreetMap, satellite imagery) and advanced tools such as GIS, Python/R, and small area estimation methods. The resulting models will integrate hazards, exposure, and vulnerability to produce high-resolution risk maps.
Loughborough University aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive research environment. We especially welcome applications from people of colour, LGBTQ+ and people living with disabilities, and anyone whose experiences and perspectives can enrich this project and its impact.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Trivik Verma
Secondary supervisors: Ksenia Chmutina and Monia del Pinto
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject. EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry
UK fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
International fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.UK tuition fees for 2026/27 are currently to be confirmed pending the release of the UKRI recommended rates. Once published, these rates will be subject to formal approval by the University before being confirmed.
Find out more about research degree funding
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT. The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to International candidates, but successful International candidates will have the difference between the UK and International tuition fees provided by the University.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Social Science and Humanities/Geography and Environment. Please quote the advertised reference number: FCDT-26-LU3 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details can be found on the FLOOD-CDT website. Please note, that your application will be assessed upon:
- Motivation and Career Aspirations
- Potential & Intellectual Excellence
- Suitability for specific project
- Fit to FLOOD-CDT.
So please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:
- A 1 page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project;
- A curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests;
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
- An IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable.
You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project specific aspects of the proposed project prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.
