Project details
Natural flood management (NFM) interventions, such as woody material in rivers, offer a potential to reduce downstream flooding by slowing water flow, while boosting biodiversity. However, we don’t fully understand how these interventions control water flow, meaning their flood protection benefits may be miscalculated.
This PhD will generate new knowledge to support the effective design and application of nature-based flood defences. You’ll answer three fundamental questions:
- How should woody interventions be designed for optimised water storage?
- Where should nature-based interventions be placed for maximum flood protection now and under climate change?
- How effectively do nature-based interventions reduce downstream flood risk?
You have the opportunity to test woody debris configurations in our state-of-the-art flume laboratory, use advanced CAESAR-Lisflood models to simulate entire catchments, and deploy field monitoring equipment to measure potential flood reduction or amplification. This project offers flexibility to match your interests and skills across these methods.
Working with the Environment Agency, Forestry England, and West Northamptonshire Council, this project will directly inform natural flood management supporting the village of Brigstock, while establishing scientific principles for national flood management strategies. The project outcomes will contribute foundational science with tangible community impact by supporting flood mitigation interventions while advancing nature-based climate adaptation.
Based in the Department of Geography and Environment, you’ll work alongside fellow PhD researchers within the FLOOD-CDT and leading academics in fluvial geomorphology and river hydraulics.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Tim Marjoribanks
Secondary supervisor: Dr Robert (Bobby) Houseago
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 ‘School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number, ‘FCDT-26-LU10’, 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 on their website. Please note that your application will be assessed upon:
- Motivation and career aspirations
- Potential and 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 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 specific aspects of the proposed project prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions, please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.
