PhD Study : The Small Meeting Hall in Ireland: Researching Gathering Places for Worship, Politics, and Culture

Summary

Through a mix of history, design, and division, Ireland and particularly the north, probably has more halls and religious meeting houses per capita than any other country on earth. The urban and rural landscapes are littered with many types and kind of hall: religious, political, organisation/group, sports, social, memorial, and more. The word ‘hall’, derived from Old English has amongst its meanings a definition as a large room for meetings and concerts. It is interesting to note that in Ireland many halls share similar visual characteristics – which have been imposed or generated because of a continually changing political and social climate.For buildings are the principal means by which the public realm is materially represented and for that reason they are of huge social significance.

This research project is designed to generate a body of knowledge which relates to the visual culture of the hall and will review their political and cultural context drawing on their social history to develop a unique and extensive body of knowledge. It looks at the visual impact of the hall in relation to immediate environments and takes cognizance of the design and configuration of these meeting venues and worship places. The juxtaposition of a complex network of centrally governed and self-governing meeting places is the main focus of the research in relation to position, structure, texture, materials and colour, signage and typography, and visual impact on landscape and environment. Furthermore, the research will use photographic references and typographic analyses to review the impact of this network of tenuously linked buildings across urban and rural environments.

Reference is also made to the changing social and community attitudes to urban and rural meeting places and the necessity to barricade and protect through a range of fortification methods also contributes to the visual impact these buildings have on their immediate surroundings. Through this necessity to fortify, some of these buildings now have their own imposed aesthetic and as such constitute a very individual building type that contrasts heavily with other building types. As such they in some way constitute their own linked aesthetic (network).

The research method used is via photographic and cartographic, analyses of the position of halls in the landscape and cityscape, and how they contribute to the visual, topographic, and social character of cities, towns, and rural landscapes. Furthermore, the research will contribute to a more wide-ranging debate about the changing nature of social space and how the concept of visualising (through buildings) social networks impacts on real environments.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• 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.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• 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

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