The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (currently £15,609 per annum for three years) and payment of tuition fees (current value £4,500 per annum for 3 years).
This proposal explores how we can sustainably engage with creativity and culture in cities that have urban contexts typified by unsustainable industrial pasts, in this case Greater Glasgow. The project aims to identify neglected and derelict urban spaces that have, and can be, reimagined as contributors to sustainable places, explored through the lens of a creative and cultural ecologies framework. Through creative and participatory methods, the study will explore the reimagination of neglected and derelict spaces. It will research the value of collaborative design, programming and use in creating community assets that effectively connect citizens to their urban environment(s).
This project contributes to existing ideas about how to deploy creative and cultural assets and techniques to improve the places people live in, with a focus on the (co) production of improved quality of life, health and wellbeing. Connecting space, place, culture and quality of life, this project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) #3. Furthermore, the spaces included in the study require the participation of the community and continued community engagement to ensure they are sustainable. By ensuring community ownership of these spaces, there is substantial potential for leveraging spaces that in the long-term can produce sustainable community assets. By focusing on derelict spaces rather than building new spaces, the study emphasises the value of the circular economy and tactical urbanism, aligned with UN SDG #11. Evidence suggests that when people have good quality community spaces (indoor and outdoor) close to their homes, their health and wellbeing are improved (GCPH, 2020).
The studentship is open to UK citizens and EU applicants with pre-settled or settled status. Candidates should hold a first or second class honours degree from a university in the United Kingdom (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Please quote the Project Reference number above when applying for this studentship. Applicants should include a statement of purpose/intent (1000 words max) when submitting their application.
In the first instance, any informal enquiries and applications to these competitive studentships should be made by email to Dr Rachael Flynn ([Email Address Removed]). Successful applicants will be asked to submit the application through the UWS online system (https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/admissions-application/).
Closing date 25th June 2021
Interview July 2021
Start date 1st October 2021
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