Published: 06 May 2025 81 views
Energy poverty (EP) is a pressing socio-economic challenge in the UK, disproportionately affecting households with limited financial resources and poor-quality, energy-inefficient housing. Recent figures indicate that approximately 6.7 million households were classified as fuel poor in 2023, underscoring the urgency of the issue. The consequences of EP extend far beyond financial hardship, contributing to serious health risks, reduced well-being, and increased strain on public services.
This project directly addresses the need for more effective, data-driven EP interventions by developing advanced, explainable machine learning (ML) models that continuously learn from a rich array of historical and socio-economic data. These include household income, energy expenditures, dwelling characteristics, and property conditions. The primary objective is to accurately predict households at risk of energy poverty, enabling timely and targeted responses from policymakers, energy suppliers, and social services. Early identification can help mitigate long-term social, economic, and health impacts—ultimately improving quality of life and reducing inequality.
Swansea University has been at the cutting edge of research and innovation since 1920. We have a long history of working with business and industry but today our world-class research has a much wider impact across the health, wealth, culture, and well-being of our society. We have achieved an extraordinary level of success in recent years and our research activity exceeds that of many larger universities yet this has not compromised the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that has always characterised the �Swansea experience�. In our Centenary year, we look forward to continuing to work ... continue reading
Application Deadline | 09 May 2025 |
Country to study | United Kingdom |
School to study | Swansea University |
Type | PhD |
Sponsor | Swansea University |
Gender | Men and Women |
This studentship funded by ESRC WGSSS covers the full cost of tuition fees in line with UKRI minimum rate currently £19,237 for 2024/2025 with an uplift to £20,780 in 2025/2026.
Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant of £940 per year in 2025/2026.
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.
To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a master's from a UK academic research organisation. See – Country Specific Information for International Applicants 2025
WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
The WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
English Language: IELTS 6.5 overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
To apply, please complete your application online here via the APPLY System with the following information:
(Full Time) Business Management / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
OR
(Part Time) Business Management / PhD / Part-time / 6 Years / October
In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email [email protected] where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application
For more details, visit Swansea University Scholarship webpage