PhD Study : Geomorphological evolution of a major strandplain complex in the context of sediment supply and relative sea-level change: Magilligan Foreland, Northern Ireland

Apply and key information  

Summary

Strandplains are geographically widespread coastal sand accumulations deposited primarily by wave run-up on high-energy coasts as a series of beach ridges, topped by aeolian sand.  They preserve a record of past wave and other environmental conditions that can contribute to palaeo-climate reconstructions.  The development of strandplains is typically linked to a combination of high sediment supply, accommodation space and forced regression.

The aim in this project is to examine and interpret the evolution of the Magiligan strandplain, the biggest such feature in the British Isles,  using a combination of geophysical, sedimentological and geochronological techniques.  A 7 km-long exposure through the strandplain provides near-continuous outcrop for sedimentological study and ground-truthing of Ground-Pentrating Radar investigations on the surface.  A variety of smaller outcrops and geomorphological features will assist in the mapping and interpretation of the feature.  Lidar mapping of the surface and GPS levelling of surface features provide additional data sources. The chronological and geomorphological development of the strandplain will be investigated and will be compared with the regional sea-level curve and climate proxies to interpret the evolution of the features during the past 7000 years (approximately).  The strandplain will be compared with other well-documented examples to assess the specific conditions for development and relationship to existing strandplain models.

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.

  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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
  • Masters at 65%
  • 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
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

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
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
March 2020

Preferred student start date
September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Andrew Cooper

Other supervisors