PhD Study : Designing Sustainable Futures: the design of practical solutions for application in industry, commerce, and society

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Summary

A key objective for many for many governments, organisations and individuals across the planet is to reduce their carbon footprint and to proactively create sustainability-focused solutions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

Ulster’s commitment to this agenda is evidenced via our research in for example our Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) and through policy development via the University’s Environmental Sustainability Steering Group. Our research and leadership has focused on innovative solutions to real-world problems and has yielded a broad variety of carbon-saving initiatives in partnerships between professional services, the academic community, and the student body.

This project is focused on developing the design aspects of sustainability and is deliberately broad in approach to include for example, new approaches to existing sustainability problems, aspects of policy development, new technology or knowledge transfer schemes across art, design, or engineering. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who can demonstrate an interest in the change agenda and initiating new ways of doing things whether in recycling, policy document review and design, sustainable creative practice, or innovative design solutions which bring real benefits to society.

Good design can change behaviours and a user-centred approach to problem-solving we believe will ultimately provide for a more sustainable future. This is a cross-disciplinary design project with the opportunity to benefit from relevant co-supervision in a related discipline in other parts of the University. The successful candidate will take a key role in developing cutting-edge research in the design discipline with access to the latest international research through the library’s extensive academic networks and relevant industries.

It is expected that the successful candidate will under supervision take a key role in developing cutting-edge research in the design discipline with access to the latest international research through the library’s extensive academic networks and relevant industries. The day to day work will involve the generation and testing of new ideas, the introduction of new models, and testing of new prototypes within any one of the broad spectrum of disciplines in art, design, and engineering in their broadest sense.

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 26 February 2021
12:00AM

Interview Date
Week Commencing 29 March and 12 April 2021

Preferred student start date
Mid-September 2021

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Ian Montgomery

Other supervisors