PhD Study : The role of online/social media platforms in climate change information sharing and adaptation policy in Small Island States

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Summary

There is growing attention on how the public is being informed about environmental challenges and climate change. This global concern contributes to and is reflected in local, national and international plans and policies, while all affected communities seek to be informed via reliable and consistent news and information.

This PhD project intends to investigate the role of social media and online news platforms in disseminating news and facts about the impacts of climate change in Small Island States (SISs). It will explore contemporary and historical trends of such platforms in these countries and eventually aims to enhance our knowledge and offer potential avenues for improvement.

A diverse range of approaches and techniques are used for assessing such studies, and the study will choose the most suitable ones. It can also be led to an innovative methodology for broader application.
An enthusiastic applicant is sought for this exciting project to study these and other possible aspects of online/social media representation and sharing patterns. The applicant is normally expected to possess an Honours or Masters' degree in relevant disciplines. Previous experience in media analysis using computational techniques and coding is highly desirable. Applicants originally from those SISs countries who are familiar with the context and politics of media and online news-sharing platforms are desirable.

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.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • 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
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

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

Recommended reading

Amiraslani, F.; Dragovich, D, 2022.  A Review of Documentation: A Cross-Disciplinary Perspective. World 2022, 3, 126–145. https://doi.org/10.3390/world3010007

Amiraslani, F.; Cooper, A, 2022. Learning from the Past: Lessons from the First United Nations Report on Problems of the Human-Environment. Challenges 2022, 13, 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020044

Johnston, W. and Cooper, A., 2022. Small islands and climate change: analysis of adaptation policy in the Cayman Islands. Regional Environmental Change, 22(2), pp.1-15.

UNFCCC (2005) climate change, small island developing States. Issued by the CLIMATE CHANGE SECRETARIAT (UNFCCC), Bonn, Germany. https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/cc_sids.pdf

World Bank, 2022. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/04/11/on-the-frontlines-of-climate-change-small-island-states-can-lead-in-resilience

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 6 February 2023
04:00PM

Interview Date
Week commencing 20 March 2023

Preferred student start date
18th September 2023

Applying

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