Fully funded PhD studentship. Students will lead research into social dimensions of plastics pollution with considerable autonomy in designing and carrying out projects with the support of an experienced supervisory team. Candidates will gain skills in interdisciplinary working, generating impactful research and liaising with business and external organisations and thus gain invaluable real -world experience.
Project Details
The challenge
Popular storytelling is known to play a key role in reaching audiences in ways which are distinct from factual media yet we still know very little about how to tailor messaging for specific audiences and the factors which help bring about sustained behaviour changes. The key research question draws on the field of entertainment education to focus on understanding the impact of specific media messaging on young people’s knowledge and awareness regarding plastics recycling as well as behaviour change and wellbeing.
It is anticipated that methods will include a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches involving visual analysis, interviews, rapid ethnography, and analysis of social media and we are open to creative methods and theories which reflect the candidates’ specialist area.
Funding partner
Wastebuster are an organisation focused on waste related education for children and young people. They are currently working with global children’s brands to harness the power of entertainment for behaviour change.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- a good First or Upper-Second (2:1) honours degree in a relevant area and
- preferably a relevant master's degree
from a UK university, or equivalent international qualifications, or qualifications and relevant experience that we consider to be equivalent.
Experience in subject areas includes:
- communications
- psychology
- sociology
- journalism
- media
- environmental science
- social anthropology
Apply
To be considered for this scholarship, eligible applicants must state “SCDT Dimensions of Plastics PhD Studentship” along with the Project Title in the Funding section of the application and apply formally online. Applicants should apply for either 1 October 2023 or 1 January 2024 start date.
Please submit your application with the following documents by the close of 7 June 2023:
- A 1000-word personal statement/proposal describing how your academic background and experience fits the project title you are applying for & how you would approach the research
- An academic curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts of degrees
- Two academic references – name and contact details
Applications will be ranked by a selection panel after the closing date and applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted for interview. Interviews are expected to be held around mid-June 2023.
The successful applicants must be available to commence study full-time on 1 October 2023.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Number of places: 1
Contact us
For informal enquiries regarding the projects please contact:
- Professor Lesley Henderson, Professor of Science Communication, School of Journalism, Media & Communication at [Email Address Removed]
- Professor Paul Flowers, Professor of Health Psychology, School of Psychology Sciences & Health at [Email Address Removed]
For any questions regarding the application process please contact: [Email Address Removed]
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