Evaluating the Cultural Sector's Contribution to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

Summary

This funded doctoral project explores how museums, arts and heritage organisations can contribute to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), one of Northern Ireland's most significant social and policy challenges. Developed in partnership with the Department for Communities (DfC), the project will examine how cultural organisations can help challenge harmful attitudes, foster dialogue and contribute to meaningful social change.

Northern Ireland's Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2024-2031) identifies changing attitudes, behaviours and cultural norms as a key priority. Museums, arts organisations and heritage bodies are increasingly engaging with complex social issues, yet there is limited evidence demonstrating how their work contributes to these goals. This project will address that gap.

Working closely with DfC, the researcher will investigate policy and practice in Northern Ireland and beyond, identifying and evaluating approaches used across the cultural sector. The project will involve developing and applying qualitative research methods to assess impact, examining examples of practice and generating evidence to support future policy and funding decisions. The researcher will also collaborate with the Northern Ireland Museums Council and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, gaining access to sector networks, ongoing initiatives and knowledge-exchange opportunities.

This is a unique opportunity to undertake doctoral research with direct relevance to public policy and social change. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of culture, heritage, museums and government, contributing new knowledge about the role cultural organisations can play in addressing violence against women and girls while gaining valuable experience of policy engagement and impact.

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.