Social-housing occupants have limited choice over their living environment and social-housing providers focus on low cost. Consequently, user experience is not systematically addressed in social housing design. Although a focus design is important, it is not sufficient: the ESRC-funded Transforming Construction Network Plus project Putting people at the heart of social housing design and manufacture has identified a lack of knowledge by occupants as a significant problem. For example, a poor understanding of indoor-climate control that contributes to poor practices in building use by and potentially poor well-being of occupants. The project aims to close the knowledge gap in three stages. Stage 1: analysis of social-housing occupants’ knowledge, skills and practice. Stage 2: development of a theory-based behaviour change model together with a model-based intervention to improve knowledge, skills and practice; the intervention will include appropriate feedback to occupants on their behaviour. Stage 3: evaluation of the intervention with an appropriate experimental design. This work is original, as currently there is currently a lack of systematic consideration of user education on social housing and its theoretical and practical underpinnings. The work is significant, as it will produce a theory-based behaviour change model for building use and a practical intervention to achieve change. The work will be rigorous through the appropriate use of qualitative and quantitative research designs, procedures and analysis. The work will be conducted in collaboration with existing social-housing provider contacts that the project leader has.
Applicants should use the links provided in each topic or project area to the Research Centres and Research Groups identified, or to the named supervisors for each project, to ensure that their application and proposal fits with the research interests and topics defined in the studentships offered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline. A masters level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.
How to apply
Please use the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form for the year starting ‘October 2020’. When asked to specify funding select “other” and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you will need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.
Applications for studentships that do not clearly indicate that the application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal may mean that your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding.
For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact [Email Address Removed].
After an application has been made, please contact [Email Address Removed]
Select process
All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage will be shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews will be held online. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome. All applicants will be considered for both Fully Funded PhD and Fees-Paid PhD studentships with the decision about the type of studentship offered to a successful candidate made after interviews have taken place. Successful applicants progressing to an offer of a place, to commence in either May or October 2021.
About Teesside
As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise, and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing. PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.
The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University’s wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.
Academic enquiries
For academic enquiries, please contact [Email Address Removed].
For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact [Email Address Removed].
Key dates
Deadline: 15/02/2021 5:00PM
Interview date: We envisage that interviews will take place in w/c 22 March 2021.
Start date: Successful applicants will be expected to start May or October 2021.
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