Exhibiting the Ocean
How Communication Strategies Influence Attitudes and Behaviour Toward Marine Conservation
About this award
This fully funded PhD scholarship is supported by the University of Hull and includes enrolment in the University’s Postgraduate Training Scheme.
Alongside your doctoral research, you will undertake structured training designed to equip you with advanced research skills and professional knowledge for a future career in academia, policy, or industry. Successful completion leads to the award of an additional Certificate or Diploma in Research Training alongside your PhD.
Based within the Ocean Literacy research cluster, this project offers the opportunity to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the forefront of ocean knowledge. The research addresses the complex challenges of Ocean Literacy through innovative, collaborative approaches.
You will work closely with a diverse network of partners and stakeholders to deliver impactful, policy-relevant, and transformative research with real-world significance.
Course duration
3 years (full time), 6 years (part time)
Writing-up period
Not covered
Study mode
Full time or part time
Fully funded1
Covers tuition and maintenance fees for this PhD at the UK (home) rate
Application date
All applications must be received by Saturday 14 February 2026
About the project
A key challenge to improving Ocean Literacy is understanding how to present information to promote greater human nature connectedness. Aquariums, science centres, and museums are increasingly using immersive exhibits, interactive technologies, and multisensory experiences to communicate ocean science and conservation issues. However, there is still limited understanding of how different types of experiences influence people’s attitudes, emotional engagement, and pro-environmental behaviours.
This PhD project will use an experimental approach to evaluate how audiences engage with and respond to different communicative approaches to Ocean Literacy. A particular focus will be placed on how perceptions of different marine animals — from charismatic megafauna such as sharks and turtles to less familiar or overlooked groups such as fish and invertebrates — influence conservation concern and willingness to support protective action. By systematically investigating modes of experience, this project will identify the most effective strategies for enhancing Ocean Literacy across diverse audiences.
The project will contribute to broader efforts in conservation communication, informal science learning, and environmental psychology by providing new insights into how different experiences can strengthen public understanding of, and connection to, the ocean.
About ‘Ocean Literacy’
Our oceans are in crisis. While there is a growing understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems for society, pressures from human activities on these ecosystems are increasing.
All citizens are connected (directly or indirectly) to the oceans, and against this backdrop, the “Ocean Literacy” movement is now a global priority. Enhancing awareness of the importance of the oceans, human-ocean interactions, and how we as individuals and collectively can reduce human impacts on marine ecosystems is central to global Ocean Literacy. However, Ocean Literacy is a complex, multi-dimensional concept.
The Ocean Literacy research cluster at the University of Hull is a multidisciplinary team of researchers across marine biology, geography, psychology and education, working with diverse stakeholders to collectively understand how to engage different communities with and enhance Ocean Literacy.
Our PhD studentships focus on understanding:
- The cultural, historical and place-based context of Ocean Literacy.
- Which instruments are most effective for enhancing Ocean Literacy in order to affect attitude and behaviour change adapted for different communities.
- How to engage broader communities, amplifying voices from across various geographical and socio-cultural contexts.
How to apply
You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position. Find out more about writing a personal statement.
Please also ensure you include the following information:
- What motivates you to pursue PhD study.
- Why you are interested in this project.
- How your skill set matches the requirements for your choice of project and/or any additional training you will need.
- The wider significance of research in this area and potential future research directions for the project.
Eligibility
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate, interested in the interface between marine biology, marine conservation and ocean literacy. Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in marine biology, marine ecology or a related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Thesis in a relevant subject would be an advantage.
The successful student will be expected to undertake fieldwork. Therefore the successful student must be willing to work safely and responsibly under such conditions. A valid driving license and a suitable vehicle to travel to field sites will be advantageous. The PhD will likely contain data collection from human participants and therefore any research experience in this area would be favourable. The successful student will also have a proficiency in, or willingness to become proficient in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.
If you are unsure whether your background meets these criteria, we encourage you to contact us for an informal discussion.
If your first language is not English, or you require a Tier 4 student visa to study, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language competency. The IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each skills set.
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant for three years (full time) or six years (part time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 25/26 is £5,006 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £20,780 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended allowance.
If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or seventh year (part time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.
International applicants
This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. If you are an international applicant, you will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this, as no additional funding is available.
Interested in applying?
This PhD scholarship is fully funded by the University of Hull. The successful applicant will be based at the University of Hull and will be expected to undertake fieldwork as required.
If you are ready to apply, please use the full time or part time PhD Marine Sciences application links below and submit your application, including your personal statement, by 14 February 2026.
Get in touch
Have a question that’s not answered here? Reach out to us today.
This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. If you are an international applicant, you will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this, as no additional funding is available.