About the Project
Tax-free annual living allowance £26,546 a £20,000 research training grant and fees paid.
Globally, drought and water scarce events pose a significant threat to water security, resulting in catastrophic direct and indirect impacts across domestic and water-intensive sectors such as agriculture, power generation, and manufacturing (OECD, 2025). Regions across England face critical water security challenges due to high population density, intensive agriculture, and shifts in climate towards drier summers and higher variability in rainfall (CCC, 2019). Without adaptation and investment, water availability is projected to fall short of meeting future demands, with supply-demand deficits becoming widespread by the 2050s.
To effectively plan for water supply resilience, it is essential to robustly model future changes in hydrological systems. This project will develop a robust modelling framework to simulate future changes in water resources in North and East England, using a combination of physically-based hydrological modelling tools and water system models. The framework will be used to produce more transparent and physically realistic projections of water resource availability under extreme climate and demand scenarios for the region.
The project will be conducted in collaboration with Anglian and Northumbrian Water and their stakeholders. Ultimately, the findings will provide strategic evidence for the development of long-term adaptation pathways that will help to navigate severe socio-economic disruption from drought events.
This PhD is part of the Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe) CDT funded by EPSRC Anglian Water & Northumbrian Water Group
Sponsors: EPSRC Anglian Water Northumbrian Water Group
Supervisors: Dr Anna Murgatroyd Prof Richard Dawson Newcastle University, Dr Geoff Darch at Anglian Water. Matt Cook and Peter Schofield at Northumbrian Water Group
An MEng/MSc in a relevant subject or first or upper second class UG degree (2:1). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. Experience working with hydrological models and hydrological data is preferred.
Please apply here: Postgraduate Funding Search | Newcastle University
Funding Notes
This studentship is open to UK/Home applicants; the successful candidate will be based in (or around) Newcastle upon Tyne for the duration of the studentship, candidates must meet one of these criteria:
· be a UK national
· have settled status
· have pre-settled status
· have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
