WALES ESRC DTP PHD 'COLLABORATIVE' STUDENTSHIP - School of Social Sciences: What works: Increasing the impact of research on inequalities by improving the framing of data

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 Collaborator: Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en

Evidence from an array of quantitative data consistently finds that groups who share certain protected characteristics experience different outcomes in health, employment, education etc. However, the potential for individualistic interpretations of data can make it difficult to demonstrate the relevance of structural inequalities (i.e., that inequalities are caused by multiple and complex factors including institutional practices, the direct or indirect impact of policy decisions, and historical and cultural factors). Research often involves attempting to identify and control other variables that might impact on outcomes. For example, in exploring the gender pay gap, a researcher may look at differences in pay while controlling for type of contract, hours of work, workplace size, etc. However, research suggests that this kind of data may not be persuasive to people who think about social inequalities in individualistic terms. In fact, this data may harden the position of some people because they can interpret this data as showing, for example, that women make different choices compared to men. This project will combine quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the different ways in which people can make sense of data on inequalities, and explore the ways in which inequalities research can be better communicated and understood.

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).

ASSESSMENT

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, expected to take place between 22 February – 26 February 2021. After interview, a final short-list of applicants will forwarded to a Panel convened by the ESRC Wales DTP Management Group at which final decisions regarding studentship awards will be made. Applicants can expect to hear by early April 2021.