Project details
Flooding is reshaping where people can safely and affordably live in UK cities, altering housing markets and widening inequalities. In some places, adaptation raises values and displaces residents; elsewhere, exposure sustains disinvestment. This PhD investigates these dynamics, known as hazard gentrification, and asks how cities can design adaptation that is resilient and socially just.
You will build an open observatory to track flood risk and neighbourhood change, integrating official spatial datasets (government flood maps, deprivation indices), housing market data (prices, rents), and community reporting of flood events. Using GIS, AI, and time series analysis, you will reveal how climate risks and housing dynamics intersect and how patterns may evolve under climate change. Leicester and Loughborough serve as contrasting case studies, pairing a metropolitan centre with a smaller town to secure transferable findings.
The project provides advanced training in spatial analysis, AI methods, and participatory research, supported by supervisors in urban planning, climate adaptation, and social justice. It forms part of the Flood CDT and aligns with Loughborough University’s research on equitable adaptation and resilience. You will be prepared for roles in academia, government, public interest consultancies, and NGOs. We are committed to an inclusive research environment and welcome diverse applicants.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Taimaz Larimian
Secondary supervisor: Professor Trivik Verma
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 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.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
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 (https://flood-cdt.ac.uk/). 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 School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. Please quote the advert reference FCDT-26-LU8 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be seen at https://flood-cdt.ac.uk. Please note that your application will be assessed upon: (1) Motivation and Career Aspirations; (2) Potential & Intellectual Excellence; (3) Suitability for specific project and (4) Fit to FLOOD-CDT. So please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:
• a one-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)
• a 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.
