Studentships
Funded PhD studentships
Funded PhD studentships
Closing date for applications: Friday 22nd May 2026
ECOWILD Studentships
ECOWILD Studentships
The deadline for applications has now passed for 2026/27.
Self-funded opportunities
Self-funded opportunities
MRes opportunity: Emerging Hazards in a Deglaciating Environment
The Background
As a result of human–induced climate change, glaciers around the world are
retreating and losing mass. This has important ramifications for sea level rise,
biodiversity, and freshwater availability. In many regions, the number and size of
glacial lakes is increasing in response to glacier shrinkage. Some of these lakes are
potentially susceptible to producing hazardous outburst floods, which can have
devastating impacts on downstream populations. Monitoring glacier evolution and
identifying potentially hazardous lakes is therefore essential in order to inform
mitigation and preparedness efforts. In a recent study of glaciers and lakes across
the Bolivian Andes, we observed a ~10 % reduction in the total surface area of
glaciers over a six-year period. During that time, the number and size of glacial lakes
increased, and we identified 11 lakes that were particularly susceptible to producing
a damaging flood. We also identified 60 sites where lakes may form in future, given
continued deglaciation in the region.
The Project
Given the rapid response of glaciers in the region to ongoing warming, as well as
their significance as a source of freshwater, constraining future glacier evolution
under a range of emissions scenarios is a top research priority. Furthermore, having
identified potentially hazardous lakes across the Bolivian Andes, ascertaining which
Glacial lakes in the Bolivian Andes
of these lakes might represent a threat to downstream communities and
infrastructure represents essential information for mitigation and preparation
efforts. Finally, modelling the potential susceptibility of future lakes to producing
damaging GLOFs and identifying those that might represent valuable water
resources in the absence of glacial meltwater is a key next step.
The Student
We are seeking a highly motivated student with an interest in environmental change
in cold regions. The successful applicant will have attained (or be expected to attain)
at least a 2:1 in Geography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline. Experience
of working with GIS is essential, as is the ability to prioritise and manage your own
time effectively.
The Details
The successful applicant will be studying for a Masters by Research (MRes) at the
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). An MRes is an independent research
project which takes a year to complete (or two years on a part-time basis). You will
attend regular meetings with your supervisors, but there is no taught element to the
degree. You can find out more about studying for an MRes at UHI here. Given the
desk-based nature of this project, there is no requirement for you to be physically
based at one of our campuses. Supervision meetings can be held over Microsoft
Teams, allowing you to study fully remotely if that is your preference.
How to Apply
In the first instance, contact Jamie MacManaway (jamie.macmanaway@uhi.ac.uk) to
arrange an informal chat. You will then need to write a brief (no more than 1000
words) research proposal and complete an application form. The deadline for
completing the application process is the 9th June 2026 and the successful applicant
will commence their studies in October 2026.
We are still welcoming applications from self-funded students who are interested in pursuing postgraduate research across a wide range of disciplines. If you are considering self-funded study, we encourage you to explore our research areas and connect with potential supervisors to discuss your ideas.
For guidance on how to apply and support available for self-funded students, please visit our Postgraduate Research Admissions page.
For inquiries, please contact us at: gradresearch@uhi.ac.uk