Law: Transitional justice, social justice and human rights

Summary

The Law research unit at Ulster University invites PhD proposals from applicants wishing to join an international and interdisciplinary team of world leading researchers in our established themes of Transitional Justice, Social Justice and Human Rights.

Our Transitional Justice Institute is an internationally renowned centre for the study of how law assists (or fails to assist) societies with transitions from conflict to peace or oppression to democracy.

We are interested in projects that examine how to build safer communities, mutual respect and social inclusion by addressing the causes and legacy of conflict and securing equality for vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Key themes in our work include peacebuilding, truth recovery, accountability, the role of international institutions, guarantees of non-repetition and gender-related harms.

The Social Justice Institute examines the role of law and associated public services in addressing or creating vulnerability to poverty, social exclusion and injustice, with the aim of building a more equal society.

We are interested in projects with a focus on access to justice, socio-economic inequality and poverty, the welfare state (particularly social security), migration, asylum, trafficking and criminal justice.

We are conscious that inclusion and exclusion can result equally from high-level policy, day-to-day interaction with administrative decision making processes or public attitudes.

Most PhD proposals in these areas will involve exploration of one or more of human rights, equality law, international humanitarian law or citizenship.

We are an interdisciplinary research unit and welcome applications that cut across our research themes (for example, economic and social rights in conflict-affected societies; the role of AI and other emerging technologies in peacebuilding, conflict or the welfare state) or involve other disciplines, including but not limited to peace and conflict studies, social policy, political science, computing and film.

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.

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)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.