Creating New Approaches to Twenty First Century Northern Irish Writing: The NI Collection

Summary

Collaborative Doctoral Partnership with Linen Hall Library, Belfast

This collaborative project provides ways to develop archival literary holdings using digital technologies and storytelling processes which stem from screen industries. It provides access to a unique collection of many of the most well-known literary authors in the last 50 years in Northern Ireland. This will enable the development and dissemination of an archive using new and established technologies for the purposes of extending the work of libraries/museums in the field of cultural and community development.

The project will enable reflection and exposition of some of Northern Ireland's most important literary productions of the current century and provide opportunities to advance knowledge in Northern Ireland as a post-conflict society and in its local and global contexts.

The Linen Hall Library will provide full access to their archives and professional training in archival management, curation and digital practices.They will also offer exhibition development skills and office space for the successful researcher.

There will be opportunities to link in with training offered by Studio Ulster and Costar in VR/AR production and gain insight into screen industries through Ulster University's partners at NI Screen.

This project will provide a dynamic and highly flexible development programme for the successful researcher. They will gain a range of important research and archive skills and capacities that offer enormous potential and success within a range of professional pathways: research, creative and cultural industries and the arts and heritage sectors.

To apply for this opportunity, the candidate will require research experience and qualifications that pertain to the study of Northern Irish writers at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Some experience  of working within an archive, library or museum would be desirable, as well as experience of working with the public and schools in the delivery of literary projects.

Postgraduate Research Applications

The information provided, during the application process, should be complete and accurate, and should not contain false or misleading information.

If information is copied from elsewhere or someone else has written the application, this could be considered fraud. This includes the use of GenAI tools such as ChatGPT.

Applications may be rejected if there is a belief that information is false or misleading, including being generated by AI tools.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

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 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.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

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.

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.