PhD Study : Northern Bridge Consortium PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Music, Drama, Cinematic Arts (Film and Screen Studies), Heritage and Museum Studies

Apply and key information  

Summary

Northern Bridge Consortium is a Doctoral Training Partnership (NBCDTP) funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. It brings together the cutting-edge expertise and exceptional resources of Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Queen’s University Belfast, Sunderland University, Teesside University and Ulster University, and their strategic partners.

The  NBCDTP runs an annual competition to select the best doctoral candidates and provide a comprehensive and attractive package of financial support over the duration of study, which includes payment of tuition fees and a maintenance award (currently £14,777 per annum).

Full details about the competition, eligibility, application process and timeline are available on the NBCDTP website from the link below. There are two routes for successful PhD applicants:

*Standard PhD route – applicants should consult their proposed supervisors at the earliest opportunity so that the expertise and capacity to supervise the proposed research can be identified, and to ensure that the applicant will be fully supported throughout the competition process.

*Collaborative Doctoral Awards -   it is essential that conversations between prospective applicants, the partner organisation and the university supervisors begin at an early stage.

Please note that potential applications should register their interest with Dr Brian Bridges (bd.bridges@ulster.ac.uk), Research Director for the subjects of Music, Drama, Cinematic Arts/Film and Screen Studies and Heritage and Museum Studies, before making an application, indicating the chosen PhD route.

The normal duration of an NBCDTP doctoral studentship is 42 months full-time (3.5 years) for the standard route and up to 48 months (4 years) for a collaborative doctoral award.  (Studentships are available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis. For example, those who wish to combine their research training with work or personal responsibilities.

Applicants should be aware that funding for part-time study is an option, although applicants should be realistic about such arrangements. It is expected that the period of study will reflect the percentage of time spent pursuing doctoral studies, and a minimum of 50% of full time effort is required (with an expected period of study of up to 6 – 8 years (84 months)). Studentships can include a placement or placements with either a Strategic Partner or another non-HEI partner by discussion with the supervisory team.

There are two stages to this process:

Stage 1 – Postgraduate Application (Online) by 17:00 on Wednesday 9 January 2019

Applicants should make an online application to Ulster University. All Ulster University Applicants should insert NBC19 in response to the question “If you will be self-funded or are in receipt of a private scholarship then please provide further information here” on the Funding Details section of the online application.

Stage 2 - Student Nomination by Wednesday 13 February 2019.

Following an internal assessment the strongest applications will be selected on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications, research proposal, relevant experience and references. They will be supported by staff in developing a further application for the National level competition as nominated candidates. Results will be announced to successful candidates by 18:00 on Friday 22 March 2019.

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.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Clearly defined 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.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Northern Bridge Consortium - Doctoral Training Partnership

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Northern Bridge Consortium scholarship at Ulster will cover tuition fees at the ‘Home rate’ and a maintenance allowance of £18,622 (2023/2024 rate) per annum for 42 months full-time (3.5 years) or 84 months part-time (7 years).

  • 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.
  • 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-Republic of Ireland EU applicants are ‘International’ for the purposes of fees. There are a very limited number of fully funded international awards available at Ulster University.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Wednesday 9 January 2019
12:00AM

Interview Date
N/A

Preferred student start date
September 2019

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Brian Bridges

Other supervisors