PhD Study : Responding to Extremism: Examining the Criminal Justice Response

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Summary

This project falls under ASPS’ research theme of Policy, Practice and Peacemaking in Divided Societies. Like terrorism, there is no universally accepted definition of extremism within the academic discourse. However, Her Majesty’s Government has defined extremism as “the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs” (Counter Extremism Strategy, 2015: 9).

Thus, within the United Kingdom (UK) five main themes for domestic extremism have been identified by the National Co-ordinator for Domestic Extremism, namely animal rights, environmentalist, far right, far left and a category entitled emerging trends (any activities that are considered to unduly and illegally influence and/or threaten the economic and community cohesion of the country).

The proscription of National Action, a far right group in the UK in 2016 under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the recent decision to move responsibility from the police to MI5 for dealing with the threat posed by the far right and white supremacists highlights the growing threat from this form of domestic extremism. Moreover, the European Union Situation and Trend Report for 2018 notes that “the violent right-wing extremist spectrum is expanding, partly fuelled by fears of a perceived Islamisation of society and anxiety of migration.”

The research project is thus interested in proposals which explore how liberal democracies including the UK have responded to the threat posed by domestic extremists in the past and how such threats are being dealt with at present by the criminal justice system.

Applications are sought which offer an inter-disciplinary approach and can either look at specific forms of domestic extremism or offer a comparative analysis of various countries’ approaches.

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.

  • Research proposal of 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.

  • 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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 18 February 2019
12:00AM

Interview Date
25 to 27 March 2019

Preferred student start date
September 2019

Applying

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