WALES ESRC DTP PHD ‘COLLABORATIVE’ STUDENTSHIP School of Social Sciences: Strengthening family responses for criminally exploited children

Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, supported by the ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership for Wales (Wales DTP), invites applications for PhD study. These 'collaborative studentships’, involve liaison with a non-academic organisation, often at many key stages of the research programme. They will commence in October 2020. 

External Collaborators:  Health and Care Research Wales Barnardo’s and

https://www.healthandcareresearch.gov.wales/  

Described as a national priority, much of what is known about child criminal exploitation (CCE) relates to county lines, a model of drug supply where children are manipulated into transporting drugs, hiding or carrying weapons, and money laundering (Children’s Commissioner, 2019). Regardless of the coronavirus, CCE has continued throughout lockdown, demonstrating the adaptability of county lines with latest police figures showing an increase in local drug networks and CCE of local children (VPU, 2020). Children from BAME families are particularly susceptible, as they are more likely to be affected by social deprivation, unemployment and poverty (Harding, 2020). While there is scarce evidence about the nature of CCE, findings show that some children may be exploited by their families either directly or indirectly (All-Wales Practice Guide, 2019). Yet, the role of the family is complex. Some criminally exploited children have chaotic families, while other families struggle to manage their children’s behaviours (Innovation Unit, 2019). In families with previous service involvement, parents may be blamed and struggle to access support, while families with no prior involvement may find their concerns go unheard and unsupported (Maxwell et al., 2019). This project will adopt an ethnographic approach to develop in-depth understanding of the complex role of the family in cases of CCE.

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first class or strong upper second class honours degree, or appropriate Master’s degree. Both the University and the ESRC Wales DTP value diversity and equality at all levels and we encourage applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. In line with our commitment to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and to increase recruitment of currently underrepresented groups, applications from Black British, Asian British, minority ethnicity British and mixed-race British candidates are particularly encouraged and welcomed. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study, and studentships are available as either ‘1+3’ (i.e. one full time year of research training Masters followed by three years of full-time Doctoral study, or the part-time equivalent), or ‘+3’ (i.e. three years of full-time doctoral study or its part-time equivalent), depending on the needs of the applicant.

Applications welcomed by 3 February 2021 (1200 hours).

Applicants should take careful consideration of the working title and description of the project and may wish to contact the named member of staff for a discussion prior to applying.

ELIGIBILITY

ESRC studentships are highly competitive, candidates should have an excellent academic background in the social sciences, holding a 1st or strong upper 2nd class degree; applications from those also holding a relevant research training Masters degree (or an equivalent background in research training) will be considered for a +3 award. Wales DTP studentships are available to both home and international (including EU and EEA) students. All applicants will be eligible for a full award consisting of a maintenance stipend and payment of tuition fees at the UK research organisation rate. Applicants must satisfy studentship eligibility requirements. For further details see the UKRI web site. Successful international student applicants will receive a fully-funded Wales DTP studentship and will not be charged the fees difference between the UK and international rate. http://walesdtp.ac.uk/studentships/

1+3 OR +3?

Awards are available on a 1+3 or +3 basis. 1+3 studentships provides funding for four years (or part-time equivalent), completing a research training Masters in the 1st year, followed by 3 years research funding for a PhD. +3 studentships provides funding for the 3 years PhD research study only (or part-time equivalent).