PhD Study : Spatial planning on the island of Ireland: developing the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) concept

Summary

​This project will examine the role of spatial planning in further developing the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) concept. There is renewed interest in the eastern corridor – first promoted 25 years ago by Sir George Quigley – with the launch in March 2021 of the DBEC initiative, led by local government either side of the border supported by Dublin City University and Ulster University, and which incorporates a region of 2 million people.

Strategic planning policy on the island no longer stops at the border. Reflecting practice that exists in other European cross-border regions, consideration is made of development dynamics either side of the border in both the Regional Development Strategy 2035 for Northern Ireland, and the Dublin government’s Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework. Indeed, coordination of planning policy on an all-island basis, particularly in relation to economic development and infrastructure investment, is a stated National Policy Objective within Ireland 2040. ​A formal Framework for Cooperation on spatial planning exists between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The project will focus on the ‘operationalisation’ of this Framework amongst stakeholders including inter alia government departments, local councils on the Corridor and other partners. Reviewing the development of corridors elsewhere on the island of Ireland (Atlantic Economic Corridor), the UK (e.g. Oxford-Cambridge Arc), and globally, the project will identify the measures – e.g. governance structures, agreements, working arrangements – necessary to enable cooperation amongst stakeholders in the setting and delivery of strategic regional and local objectives.

It is anticipated the project will adopt a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, workshops, and quantitative data collection and analysis. From this evidence base, the project will make recommendations to enhance policy and practice in spatial planning on the Corridor.

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.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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