Exploring Innovative Household and Community-Based Financial Models for a Just Transition in Northern Ireland

Summary

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, together with the ongoing establishment of a Just Transition Commission, have renewed attention on the obligations and pathways to achieving a Just Transition in Northern Ireland.

This PhD project engages with a key pillar of enabling a Just Transition – namely, what works for financing a just and fair transition to a low-carbon and “green” society.

Specifically, the project will explore innovative household and community-based models of finance for enabling just transition pathways in Northern Ireland. The project will use in-depth case study analysis (supported, where appropriate, by field visits) to understand what works in other international contexts, including the underpinning drivers, enablers and barriers to the local establishment and sustainability of new financial approaches.

The project will also explore institutional fit for Northern Ireland – through in-depth engagement with local stakeholders in relevant sectors. This could include the application of Delphi or Q-Methodology research techniques.

The project will be underpinned by robust engagement with relevant theory – including in the overall conceptual framing and research methods. This could include the use of perspectives such as Merton and Bodie's functional approach to financial structure. Alternative theoretical perspectives – including those from the wider social sciences – are also welcome where relevant and justified.

The project will result in policy and practice recommendations on delivering local household and/or community-based models of finance to support a Just Transition in Northern Ireland.

Applications are welcome from those with an interest in how finance interventions and approaches can be harnessed for social benefit in Northern Ireland. It is envisaged the project will mainly rely on qualitative research methods – although there is some flexibility in methodological choice. Applications are welcome from across the social sciences, with no strict requirement for a finance, banking, or similar background.

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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of no more than 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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.