PhD Study : Exploring Transitional Justice within the context of Penal Policy and Practice in Northern Ireland

Summary

The Northern Ireland prison system was shaped by the Conflict (McEvoy 2006).  The 1998 Agreement facilitated the early release of politically-affiliated prisoners yet it was not until the Hillsborough Agreement of 2010 that an independent Prison Review Team was established. The PRT identified ‘significant and long-lasting problems’ in the system and called for a ‘programme of change and transformation of culture, approach and working practices’, with recommendations focused on: ‘values and purpose’; desistance-focused practice; healthcare; staff recruitment and culture; women’s and young men’s imprisonment. Most PRT recommendations were ‘signed off’ by the Prison Review Oversight Group (2015). However, problems persist particularly in healthcare, prisoner safety and rehabilitation.

In addition to the above issues, there are continued concerns that the women’s prison remains on the site of a male young offender centre. Moreover, the accommodation of politically-affiliated (paramilitary) prisoners in separated conditions continues to create difficulties within the system.

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship from students with a good first degree in the social sciences or related area who wish to conduct research on the issue of transition and change within prison systems in societies experiencing conflict.

Applicants are invited to design a case study through which to explore reform within the NI penal system. Case studies may be based upon a specific group (eg women, young or older prisoners, disabled prisoners, politically-affiliated prisoners) or on prison staff; specific prisons, aspects of penal regimes, sentence types or accountability arrangements.

Proposals may involve comparative research with other transitional societies.

Founded upon human rights, transitional justice has been critiqued as a liberal-democratic construct which neglects the imperative for structural change (Moore and Wahidin, 2015).  The proposed research will be underpinned by theoretical analysis of transitional processes within the penal framework. The proposal links with themes of power, social justice; policy, practice and peace-making in divided societies.

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.

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