PhD Study : Regeneration and Resilience: Practical Solutions to Real World Problems

Summary

A growing body of research argues that approaches to regeneration practice which do not acknowledge a place’s resilience to change will fail to set that place on a more sustainable trajectory (McElduff et al. 2016; Walker and Salt 2007). Originally interpreted as the ability to ‘bounce back’ (Holling 1973), the concept has evolved to encompass an evolutionary perspective (Davoudi 2012). The latter emphasises the interdependencies between social and ecological systems and the need to embed foresight, robustness and adaptability into place-making and planning activities (Coafee and Lee 2016). This presents a powerful critique of traditional approaches of sustainable resource management which tended to advocate an equilibrium state based on an expectation of incremental growth. ‘Building’ resilience is a dynamic challenge and raises questions around how to design, manage, and implement interventions, at what scale, and with what resources. In regards to urban regeneration, resilience thinking advocates (for example) a focus on sustainable and equitable resource use; collaborative and partnership working across disciplines and governance scales; a greater focus on community well-being; enhancing the relationship between people and place; and enabling rich forms of leadership. However, there is an evident gap in relation to reconciling resilience thinking with place-specific processes and challenges. It follows that perspectives, components and values of resilience must be more clearly articulated and translated into operational tools.

This doctoral project critically explores the complementary and co-influencing concepts of regeneration and resilience using national and international case studies. Such case studies may encapsulate differing approaches to regeneration (e.g. heritage-led, tourism-led, and community-led) and expressions of resilience. Consequently, the project is focused on identifying, analysing and responding to ‘wicked problems’ – and opportunities – associated with real-world regeneration practice. Therefore, the expectation is that this project will be applied within a contemporary context. This includes, for example, post-disaster recovery; local service delivery (community planning in Northern Ireland); or enabling governance structures including the relationship between coterminous functions within local government such as building control and statutory planning.

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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