Applications are invited from highly qualified and motivated applicants to take up a new PhD scholarship opportunity at The University of Manchester. The scholarship is aligned to the Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH) (www.seerih.manchester.ac.uk).
This is a unique opportunity to study at one of the UK's leading Universities. Applications are sought in the broad field of education, science education and/or public engagement, with specific interest in mainstream Primary Science Education.
This interdisciplinary PhD project will gather and study data to evidence the engagement of disadvantaged pupils in primary school science learning in the UK. The scope of the study will embrace mainstream science teaching, Higher Education outreach/primary school engagement programmes, with specific focus on enrichment activity such as the Great Science Share for Schools. The research aims to inform strategies and policies related to access, inclusivity and equity in mainstream science education at both school and Higher Education.
The study will seek to identify, through participatory research with teachers and educators, the teaching and learning approaches and cultures that impact on disadvantaged pupils’ science engagement and attainment. In particular, the influence of creativity, scientific enquiry and assessment will be key features of this research.
The PhD project will address some of the following research questions. The student will work with the supervision team to clarify these on commencement of the study.
· What are the factors or features influencing the disadvantaged learners’ experience of primary science learning?
· What teaching and learning approaches engage disadvantaged learners in science learning?
· What creative pedagogies impact on disadvantaged pupil’s science learning?
· How do teachers and educators promote inclusivity in primary science learning?
· What can teachers and Higher Education learn from each other regarding promoting access, inclusivity and participation of disadvantaged learners in science learning?
· What are the implications of the primary to secondary transition on disadvantaged learners in science learning?
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should attend to the following and email the relevant documentation to [Email Address Removed] by 18th May 2021 5pm GMT:
· An academic Curriculum Vitae. Send a 2-page CV including two named referees (one of whom should be your most recent academic tutor/supervisor)
· A letter of application addressing the person specification (max. 2 pages, font Arial, size 11, standard margins) outlining your suitability for the studentship
· A copy of an essay or academic publication that you have solely authored, e.g. Masters Essay, published article/paper.
· Copies of your Degree certificates and/or evidence of your anticipate grade/transcript marks
· Two referee letters (one of which should ideally be from an academic supervisor or similar)
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 8th June 2021 or within that week.
The successful candidate will also be required to then submit an online application for a place on the PhD programme based on the project brief, with the support of the supervisors. Full details of how to apply can be found here: https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/. This should only take place following the scholarship award.
Please contact Dr Lynne Bianchi ([Email Address Removed]) with any queries.
You must have at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree at undergraduate level or equivalent, and you must have completed research training at Masters level by 30 September 2021 and secured skills in relevant social sciences research methods. A master's in Science Education or Social Science is preferred. The person specification for this PhD can be found at https://seerih-innovations.org/media/doc/SEERIH_PhD_Studentship_Person_Specification_2021.pdf.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. As the School is committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark and Athena SWAN, we would particularly welcome applications from women and the black and minority ethnic (BME) community, who are both currently under-represented at this grade. All appointments will be made on merit.
Continue with Facebook
