PhD Study : Life on the Edge: Youth, Identity and the Geographies of Brexit

Summary

In June 2016 the UK voted to leave the EU by a margin of less than 4%. By contrast Northern Ireland (NI) voted to remain. This, together with its post-conflict status and as the only region of the UK to have a land-border with the EU, brings with it a unique range of challenges and opportunities (see Anderson and Wilson’s (2017) commentary on Brexit and the everyday). Young people on both sides of the border have grown up without the military patrols of the past, and with a freedom of movement facilitated by both the EU and the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The likely impact of Brexit on this relationship is still hotly debated. What is certain, however, is that with some 300 crossing points on the border (House of Lords 2016) the ability to move freely between the UK and Ireland has been essential for the young people living on its borderlands (whether this is for education, work, relationships etc). The situation is further complicated by the fluidity of Northern Irish, Irish and British identities, often held simultaneously, in part a consequence of NI’s recent past.

This project will analyse the multiple and diverse relationships that young people have with the border and its relative importance of it in their lives. It aims to assess the following:

1.how the border is linking intrinsically to Northern Irish/Irish/British identities;

2.how young people are mobilised transnationally across the border;

3.the likely impact of Brexit upon these two factors and how these are voiced by young people living in borderland areas.

Given the necessity for an in-depth personal analysis of their identity and mobility patterns the project should take a qualitative focus (e.g. go-along interviews (e.g. Holton and Finn 2017) or focus groups) and would represent an excellent opportunity for participatory action research with young people on both sides of the border. The research could prove to be an important source of knowledge, itself feeding into debates around the border. This project has significant potential for impact. According to the current timeline the UK will leave the EU in 2019, but negotiations could extend beyond this deadline, with some proposals suggesting a transitionary period lasting two years in the first instance. It is essential that the voice of young people throughout the island of Ireland be heard during these negotiations. Identifying their views on Brexit and the role of the border in shaping their identities represents a significant opportunity to communicate their needs to those in positions of power and influence this process. In addition, there are real opportunities to conduct research which is impactful within academia given the interdisciplinary nature of the proposed supervisory team which has a collective expertise in mobilities, transnationalism, identity, heritage, post-conflict societies, cultural policy, media and communication.

The candidate would benefit from a range of experiences and expertise making them ideally placed to make key research contributions across a range of geographical, policy debates and allied research areas.

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

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
• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

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