PhD Study : 'Why wouldn't you cycle'?; Building sustainable cycling cultures in Northern Ireland

Summary

This PhD project seeks to understand better how a sustainable commuter culture can be developed in a world still very much dominated by the car. Put more specifically, this ethnographic project aims to identify the barriers (real and/or perceived) to the development of a commuter culture in Northern Ireland. So how to begin to answer the key question: 'why wouldn't you commute in the NI region'? In the first instance, the PhD researcher will undertake ethnographic studies (of specific 'cycling' and 'non-cycling' groups) to scope out the terms of this, trying to build up a more generalizable picture. It should be obvious enough that growing and diversifying the base of people who commute in NI is crucial to one of the major challenges that faces any contemporary city/region, namely: how do we develop a relatively cheap, cost-efficient and carbon friendly transportation eco-system?

The weight of research evidence regarding the economic and ecological dangers associated with growing city/region populations and increased traffic congestion is genuinely frightening. But instead of groaning under the weight of these rather scary statistics, we need to grasp the opportunity to facilitate the emergence of community led intelligence to develop smarter ways to get around the city/region.

This PhD project aims to begin to do precisely this! Would there be scope, for instance, to use relatively cheap bike cameras, or smartphone apps, or social media, to record, share and advise fellow commuters about real-time experiences (congestion, accidents, good alternative routes etc.) and also to provide a reservoir of helpful information (tips on negotiating traffic, bike handling, bike safety, suggestions about how to best share the road and cycle ways with other users)?

The key thing about this technological infrastructure is that is grows from the ground up, allowing commuters themselves to map and negotiate the city/region, a technology that builds on smart practices in everyday life, rather than a supposedly ‘smart’ solution that is technologically determined and sits in abstraction to the activities of citizens.

Aims of the project:

To identify key user groups through ethnographic research and encourage them to use the bike as their mode of transport.

To build a physical, technological and social infrastructure that removes real or perceived barriers to commuting in the region.

To help facilitate the creation a community of cyclists who feel safe and socially invested in the contribution they are making to the development of a greener city/region.

To inspire cycle users, and potential cycle users, to embrace the normative idea that they can be ‘velo-citizens’ who can inspire other road users to take to two wheels.

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
• Research proposal of 1500 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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• 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