PhD Studentships: Borders, migration and civil society

Closing date: 15th May, 2020

Funding amount: Full UK/EU fees, plus stipend

Duration: 3 Years (commencing September 2020)

Applications are invited for two fully funded PhD studentships offered as part of the ESRC funded WISERD Civil Society research centre. The studentships will be based in the School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences at Bangor University. We invite applicants to submit proposals relating to one of the following possible topics:

1. Borders, migration and coastal communities

This topic invites proposals for research investigating the changing significance of borders and migration for coastal communities, taking into account the role of sea borders and their renewed significance post-Brexit. We particularly welcome proposals focusing on Wales and the UK-Ireland border. Proposals may involve local field research, comparative or historical methods.

2. Criminology and policing of borders and migration

This topic invites proposals for research with a criminology focus investigating the policing of borders and migration. We particularly welcome proposals focusing on UK or international borders. Proposals may include topics relating to the policing of borders through non-state agencies, to different border sites, and to either territorial or non-territorial forms of bordering.

3: Bilingualism, language acquisition and migrants

This topic invites proposals for research investigating the importance of language acquisition for migrants and/or refugees in Wales, their attitudes and experiences of learning Welsh, and sense of belonging. We particularly welcome proposals that have a comparative focus on Wales and other bilingual and multilingual societies. Proposals may include topics relating to language acquisition, support provision, social participation, sense of belonging in different geographical and linguistic contexts. 

Funding

The studentships are funded as part of the WISERD Civil Society ESRC Research Centre award “Changing Perspectives on Civic Stratification and Civic Repair”. It consists of full UK/EU fees, research expenses, as well as a doctoral stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (approximately 15k per year). As part of the funding, successful applicant are encouraged to undertake a small amount of paid teaching within the school.

Eligibility

Candidates should have an excellent academic background in a relevant social science discipline, holding a 1st or upper 2nd class undergraduate degree and also a Masters degree completed by the time of starting the PhD. Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements.

How to Apply

To apply please send a (i) CV, (ii) a 1500 word research proposal (which should include a statement of the research problem and context, the proposed design and methodology, as well as references to existing research in the field of civil society) and (iii) a covering letter setting out why you are interested in this studentship and how it fits into your future career aspiration to: Dr Robin Mann, r.mann@bangor.ac.uk

Application deadline: 15th May 2020

Further information

Informal enquiries about the project are welcome and should be directed to Professor Martina Feilzer (m.feilzer@bangor.ac.uk); +44 (0)1248 388171); Dr Bethan Loftus (b.loftus@bangor.ac.uk); +44(0)1248 382183; or Dr Robin Mann (r.mann@bangor.ac.uk; +44 (0)1248 382232)

Publication date: 17 March 2020