Engaging Men, preventing violence. Developing, implementing and evaluating creative XR film-making in addressing violence against women and girls

Summary

The World Health Organisation (2023) confirm that sexual violence against women ‘is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights’. They estimate that ‘1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to (…) non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime’. Given the prevalence of this global issue, there is growing recognition that it is essential to engage men and boys in addressing violence against women and girls (End Violence Against Women 2025, UN Women 2026).

This project will therefore involve creating and evaluating new ways to engage boys and men in prevention. The candidate will employ practice research methods by creating bespoke interventions using innovative tools such as fiction, documentary or XR filmmaking in combination with qualitative research methods by designing workshops to complement the creative practice intervention and by using qualitative data gathering tools such as focus groups and interviews.

This research will critically consider if, and how, this combination of creative practice and qualitative research offers a novel method of addressing violence against women and girls. It is envisaged that this project will have important social impact by creating and assessing creative methods of engaging boys and men in modes of allyship that aim to redress violence against women and girls.

This project will be of interest primarily to candidates with a genuine commitment to addressing the issue of violence against women and girls. To this end, a sound understanding of relevant sociocultural theory is essential. It will require developing a strong theoretical grounding in gender, masculinity, media and cultural studies as well as a solid understanding of practice research as a mode of academic enquiry.

Potential candidates with backgrounds in creative practice such as fiction filmmaking, documentary or XR filmmaking would be ideally suited to this project. An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in film or media production would be particularly relevant and welcome. Potential candidates in cognate social science disciplines with experience in qualitative research and the necessary skills/experience in creative practice would also be welcome to apply.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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.

• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Relevant professional qualification

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.