From Screen Production to Visitor Experience Immersive Screen Tourism Innovation through Studio Ulster, CoSTAR Screen Lab and Belfast Stories

Summary

This PhD will explore how Northern Ireland can translate its growing screen production ecosystem into new forms of visitor experience, cultural engagement and economic value. Focusing on the intersection of screen industries, immersive technologies and the visitor economy, the project will examine how screen assets, stories, intellectual property and virtual production infrastructure can be developed into public-facing experiences such as immersive exhibitions, location-based storytelling, screen tourism products and interactive cultural attractions.

The research will be anchored in Northern Ireland’s rapidly expanding screen and creative industries landscape, with Studio Ulster / CoSTAR Screen Lab, Belfast Stories and wider sector partners providing a rich context for investigation. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of research, industry and policy, exploring questions of innovation, audience engagement, place-making, tourism development and creative economy growth.

The project is likely to suit applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including film and screen studies, media and cultural studies, creative industries, tourism, heritage, digital media, immersive experience design, cultural policy or related fields. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong interest in how screen production, immersive storytelling and cultural infrastructure can generate new forms of public value and contribute to the future development of Northern Ireland’s creative economy.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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 relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.