PhD Study : Society and the Sea: a socio-cultural exploration of the marine-coastal interface

Apply and key information  

Summary

In many countries the regulation of marine and coastal resources, activities and development is evolving from a fragmented and sectoral system to a more strategic and integrated process facilitated by a range of institutional, legal and policy frameworks. In particular, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has emerged as an instrument for managing a sustainable marine resource. The Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA) 2009 was the UK’s first piece of comprehensive legislation focused on the governance of the marine and coastal environment.

It represented an acknowledgement of the need to update the UK marine and coastal governance framework so that it could be better equipped to deal with the challenges of the 21st century and enable the sustainable development of the UK seas. One of the challenges for MSP is to introduce a transparent, evidence-based governance structure, which brings into the process the various communities of interest and develops novel ways of supporting communities of place.

MSP is required to have positive terrestrial, as well as marine, impacts, highlighting the need for terrestrial land-use planning and marine planning to be cognisant of each other’s objectives, remits and limitations. This is challenging in practice. The terrestrial planning system and the marine planning system are legally and functionally separate but overlap in the inter-tidal area. Local Development Plans and marine plans should therefore be complementary, particularly with regard to the inter-tidal area, but also for the wider coastal zone.

There is an identified need for better coherence between terrestrial and marine planning, and between jurisdictions. Yet, the marine-coastal zone is a complex governance arena where a range of rights, responsibilities and values coalesce or compete: creating spaces of conflict but also for innovation. This raises questions regarding the integration of the different (terrestrial and marine-based) sectors and stakeholders, and how best to conceptualise an inclusive model of decision-making and governance.

In particular, there is increasing recognition of the need to more fully consider the human dimensions of marine and coastal issues, and the role of citizens in delivering the sustainable management and protection of the marine environment. Adopting a social science perspective, this research will attempt to respond to such questions and provide conceptual, theoretical, and practical insights that not only critically engages with MSP but also proposes how MSP can be improved.

The research will contribute to the growing era of marine social science.

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.

  • Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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.

  • Masters at 65%

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 5 February 2021
12:00AM

Interview Date
April 2021

Preferred student start date
Mid-September 2021

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Linda McElduff

Other supervisors