We are currently inviting applications for our James Watt Scholarships within the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research and the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences.
The Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE)
Ref: JWS2024-ISPHERE
I-SPHERE was established with a mission – to use world-class research to help drive change for people affected by extreme disadvantage. In 2020 we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our work on homelessness and destitution.
We welcome proposals for projects in any of I-SPHERE's areas of expertise which spans homelessness and housing exclusion; housing policy, law and rights; housing needs, affordability and access; welfare policy and welfare rights; poverty and destitution; and complex support needs.
The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES)
Ref: JWS2024-ILES
Subjects: Environmental Science in its widest sense, Sustainable Energy Solutions, Sports & Exercise Science
The Institute focus in research and teaching is “Sustainable and resilient natural and human communities in the face of multiple stressors, combined with climate change”.
Applications from potential candidates should clearly identify one of the following areas:
- Environmental stressors
- Blue economy
- Nature-based solutions
- Environmental restoration
- Natural capital
- Bacterial natural product drug discovery
- Sustainable food in a scenario of climate change
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Energy transition
- Net zero
- Health, Well-being and Human Performance
- Exercise, ageing, immunology
Eligibility
Scholarships are open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.
Successful candidates will have at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a relevant subject area and ideally a Masters Degree. We may also consider candidates who can demonstrate appropriate alternative learning such as experience gained in the workplace or professional qualifications.
We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.
How to Apply
To apply you must complete our online application form.
For ISPHERE - select programme PhD Urban Studies
For ILES - select programme PhD Environment or Marine Biology or Life Sciences or Applied Geoscience
Include your project title, reference number and supervisor name (if you have already identified a potential supervisor) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete. Please note that applicants may only submit ONE proposal.
After entering your personal details, click submit. You will then be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; please provide a written proposal (3-5 A4 pages), including a supporting statement outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.
You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.
ISPHERE applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors directly, but in case of doubt you can discuss your application with Prof Suzanne Fitzpatrick (S.Fitzpatrick@hw.ac.uk) who will provide further advice.
ILES applicants should contact Professor Teresa Fernandes (t.fernandes@hw.ac.uk) with information on their intention to apply. Applicants are encourage to contact potential supervisors directly, but in case of doubt you can discuss your application with Prof Fernandes who will provide further advice.
Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.
Timeline
ISPHERE - closing date for applications is 22 March 2024
ILES - closing date for applications is 8 April 2024
Applicants must be available to start in September 2024.