Life on Mars: reconstructing the welfare of boys admitted to the TS Mars, Training Ship, moored on the River Tay, Scotland 1869 - 1929

This project is based on the records of the TS Mars. The Mars was a training ship which was moored on the banks of the River Tay in Scotland and was designed to provide recruits for the royal and merchant navies and to ‘rescue’ children who were perceived to be at risk of delinquency. It has bequeathed a wealth of records, including anthropometric and medical data, as well as administrative data.

The project offers an opportunity to address a number of questions, including the following:

1. What light can anthropometric data shed on the welfare of children on the TS Mars between 1869 and 1929?
2. What light do these records shed on child and adolescent growth patterns since the mid-nineteenth century?
3. What light does the Mars shed on the relationship between the statutory and voluntary sectors in the management of ‘welfare’ institutions
4. What role did the Mars play in the history of ‘care’ and ‘reformation’ in 19th and early 20th century Scotland?

For Further Information on the Research Project’s structure regarding Sources, Planned Methodology, Welfare (Research Questions 1 & 2), The Mars as a Residential & Reformatory Institution (Research Questions 3 & 4) please visit the research project webpage for full details.

Eligibility

• Candidates must have a background in a relevant research area (broadly conceived)
• This opportunity is open to candidates who have a Master’ degree in a relevant subject area, and a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above, or equivalent for non-UK qualifications Equivalent international qualifications.
• An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum is required (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not a first language and this must be evidenced at point of application Recognised English Language Qualifications.

Full details on How to Apply for this PhD Social Policy Research opportunity including documentation required can be found at:

https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/postgraduateresearchphdopportunities/humanitiessocialsciences/socialworksocialpolicy/lifeonmars/

Application Deadline:

Completed applications received will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served rolling basis and this research opportunity will close once successful applicant appointed.

Preferable start dates for successful applicant would be either 1 January 2024 or 1 April 2024

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Enquiries:

Name: Professor Bernard Harris

E-mail Address: bernard.harris@strath.ac.uk

Application enquiries to hass-pgr-applications@strath.ac.uk

Web Link: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/postgraduateresearchphdopportunities/humanitiessocialsciences/socialworksocialpolicy/lifeonmars/