Geographies of collapse and resilience

About the research project

The trajectory of global change is often spoken about in terms of an apocalyptic future (unless urgent action is taken now). Another way of looking at the intersecting impacts and legacies of capitalism, colonialism, and ecocide is that collapse is already unfolding. Some are already living in collapse or in the aftermath of a collapse, while others remain immured by fortune and privilege. This makes global collapse, not a single whole-of-world apocalypse, but a process made up of unique, unbounded, contested, and unjust localised collapses.

Projects

I supervise projects that sit on the left side of politics, addressing collapse at different scales and in diverse circumstances. One student is looking at how clothing waste is created through everyday practices. Another is using the idea of ‘the right to the city’ to better understand how people experiencing homelessness assert rights to place and home. A third student is engaging with grassroots organisations to develop planning methods suitable for collapse scenarios. A fourth is aiming to advance equitable access to land and food in hard times. For your PhD, I will work with you to design a project aligned with my Critical Collapse Studies research program and that meets your interests and needs.

Skill development

Thinking critically – applicable to employment in roles addressing hardship, crisis and disaster, and advancing equity and equality.

Articulating complex ideas – useful in work sectors already impacted by global environmental change and late-stage capitalism, and those looking towards decolonising.

Writing large documents – transferrable to writing government and NGO reports and submissions, and academic papers.

Project management – managing small to medium sized projects across work sectors and employment types.

Research design – research approaches suitable for tackling complex social and political challenges.

Academic research – essential if you are interested in pursuing a career at a university. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Kate Booth

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applications are open to Domestic applicants
• Applications are open to applicants from human geography, sociology, and allied disciplines

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Demonstrated interest in social theory
• Experience, or capacity to gain experience, in social research methods

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Kate Booth to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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