PhD Study : Designing ‘Design for Policy’ in Northern Ireland

Summary

Design for policy is a rapidly expanding area of practice within the wider field of design. Designers operating in this context work to draw links between traditional policy-making processes on the one hand and the creative strategies of co-design and design thinking on the other. In the UK, design for policy initiatives are currently being explored by both central and devolved governments (e.g., Westminster’s Policy Lab), with dedicated research programmes emerging to investigate current opportunities arising within the sector (e.g., Cardiff Metropolitan University). While some compelling case studies have emerged from across this body of work, some important lines of inquiry have yet to be explored in depth. Key among these is the issue of best practice. For example, at present, there is no consensus as to who should be involved in design for policy projects and how they be invited to participate (e.g., via soliciting the input of particular communities or via random population sampling from among given groups)?

Equally, there is the question of whether or not those who participate in design for policy work should be able to contribute to the early framing of policy proposals or, alternatively, whether they should merely be invited to support efforts to help realise the final form of already-determined proposals (e.g., fixing the homelessness crisis via targeted supports). This research project will explore such concerns in a Northern Irish context in particular (though there is an expectation that research will also be conducted in other areas of the UK and possibly beyond as appropriate).

The project will involve two key phases. In the first phase, the researcher will undertake a review of existing positions/initiatives in the design for policy and general policy-making arenas. It is expected that this will involve both a literature review and, alongside this, the identification of important stakeholders and institutions involved in design for policy and general policy-making initiatives, where appropriate. It is expected that a programme of interviews and/or consultation will be conducted with key individuals/representatives in the latter grouping. The aim here will be to define existing understandings of best practice and note opportunities for development and progression. In the second phase, with this overview to hand, attention will turn to the Northern Irish context in particular. Here, the researcher will be expected to again identify key stakeholders and institutions and interview and consult with key individuals/representatives.

By noting the similarities and differences of this context (as compared with the prior overview), the aim  will be to identify opportunities for shaping a Northern-Irish-specific design for policy proposal, focusing in particular how it might be implemented. It is envisaged that the outcomes will be twofold, involving: (1) A survey of the existing design for policy landscape within the UK, with a focus on the Northern Irish context in particular identifying key stakeholders and potential partner institutions; (2) A suite of recommendations for how an appropriate design for policy proposal might best be framed for a Northern Irish context, with a potential pathway to implementation.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living