PhD Study : The Political Economy of Education in Situations of Conflict and Crisis

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Summary

Background:

Almost half of all children who are out of school live in conflict affected countries where the provision of education can become highly politicised. For example, unequal access to education and distribution of education resources may fuel grievances between groups in society. Exclusion of minority voices from decision-making can cause resentment. Politically biased education policies in terms of the language of instruction or content of the curriculum may create mistrust between different ethnic, religious or cultural groups by fuelling stereotypes. We therefore need to better understand the underlying political, economic and social influences on the provision of education in such settings

Studentships: Two Full-time Postgraduate Studentships are available to those who been resident in the UK for the last three years. The studentships are based at Ulster University and linked to The PEER Network, funded by the  Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) for a three-year period from Sept 2020. The PEER Network seeks to support the development of knowledge, skills and research on political economy analysis (PEA) of education in situations of conflict and crisis. Whilst the focus is on education, applicants are welcome from any discipline relevant to political economy analysis.

The studentship offers flexibility, allowing the student to define the geographical scope of the research within the broad aims of the PEER Network project in consultation with the supervisors:

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

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
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

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
Monday 8 June 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
16 - 18 June 2020

Preferred student start date
mid September 2020

Applying

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