Research area
Cold homes at the end of life
Scholarship Title
PhD in Residence: National Energy Action (NEA)
Supervision
Dr Julie Ellis, Dr Mary Turner and Dr Tom Simcock External supervisor: Dr Danielle Butler (NEA)
Duration
3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances)
Background
We are excited to announce a collaboration with NEA offering a fabulous opportunity to conduct PhD research with real-world relevance and impact. By being embedded within the organisation, you will have opportunities to work closely with colleagues to develop your research ideas, strategies for data collection and to work jointly to maximise the impact of your research, co-producing outputs for varied audiences (e.g. journal articles, briefing papers, training for their staff). This focus on professional development within the organisation will enhance your post-PhD employability. You will also have access to our full range of on-campus facilities and PhD training and access to our Teaching Assistant Preparation Program.
The UK is experiencing unprecedented rises in energy costs, exacerbated by the current cost-of-living crisis. In April 2022, energy prices rose by 54% for the typical energy user, and even more than this for those who have above average energy needs (National Energy Action (NEA), 2022). Individuals who are terminally ill or reaching the end of life are among the most vulnerable to the consequences of fuel poverty and cold and poor-quality housing and yet the experiences of this group are underexplored in research.
Outline & focus
We are inviting applications for research project ideas which aim to explore the impact of fuel poverty upon experiences of the end of life. Specific areas of focus might include but are not limited to, the implications for palliative and end of life care services, the experiences of particular groups of dying people, policy and social welfare responses, or the legacy of energy poverty for bereaved partners and families. These are understudied areas of research, and we anticipate that the findings will influence policy and practice.
This project will be integrated in an ongoing programme of work led by NEA and undertaken in partnership with the University of Huddersfield. There will be opportunities for exposure and involvement in policy development, networking and multi-programme experience. We are looking for candidates with a background and interest in areas which may include: social policy, psychology, health studies, sociology and with a demonstrable passion for social change. The successful candidate will join the Healthy Housing Initiative at the University of Huddersfield.
Eligibility criteria & conditions
- Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s.
- Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.
- A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment.
Funding amount
- Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)
- Waiver of home fees
- Modest costs for field work and conference attendance
Funding for
UK Students
Application deadline – Friday 26th May 2023
Start date – October 2023
Application notes
- To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
- Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name of the scholarship that you wish to be considered for in the free text box.
- Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals.
- Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. The successful applicant may eventually be required to adjust their proposed research in line with data available within NEA, but we encourage you not to be limited by this in creatively tackling knowledge gaps in your research proposal.
- At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments).
- When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Julie Ellis and Dr Mary Turner.
Apply online
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