I-SPHERE welcomes proposals for doctoral research focused on exploring influences upon the experiences of children around the time of the transition to secondary school. The central aim of this PhD would be to identify the factors associated with better or worse transitions to secondary school for youths from backgrounds of poverty and/or socio-economic disadvantage. This is especially important as a less successful transition often leads to poorer educational outcomes for children, especially for those from backgrounds of poverty and/or socio-economic disadvantage. The doctoral research may use data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a birth cohort study following a large sample of children in the UK born in the year 2000. However, we are also open to proposals which take a more mixed methods or qualitative approach.
In any case, the experiences of young people should be explored in relation to: (1) individual influences such as family economic circumstances, pre-transition anxieties, post-transition peer social relationships, family relationships, engagement with secondary school, relationships with teachers, academic self-concept and individual wellbeing; and (2) wider influences, such as the different schooling contexts across Scotland and England/Wales/NI (rUK). The PhD’s results will aim to change the field by addressing the knowledge gap in the processes and mechanisms of the impact of poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage, and of peer and family relationships, on secondary school transitions.
To be eligible, applicants should have a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent experience). Additional criteria may apply so please check the specific project details before applying. Scholarships will be awarded by competitive merit, taking into account the academic ability of the applicant.
We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.
How to Apply
Please complete our online application form. Please select PhD programme Urban Studies and include the project reference, title and supervisor names on your application. If these details are not included your application may not be considered. Please note that applicants may only submit ONE proposal.
Please also provide a supporting statement outlining how you would approach the research and upload this to the research proposal section of the online application. You will also be required to upload a CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and one academic reference. Until your nominated referee has uploaded their statement, your application will not be marked as complete and will not be considered by the review panel. You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue or if you have not already studied for a degree that was taught in English). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0 or a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 points.
Applications will be reviewed throughout March and applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2021. Applicants MUST be available to start the course of study on a full-time basis in September 2021.
Please refer to the website for further information https://www.i-sphere.hw.ac.uk
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