The University of Edinburgh is inviting applications from suitably qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship in Social Policy in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to research the context within which young people in Scotland are making decisions about post-school transitions, and the factors that influence these decisions.
The successful applicant awarded this studentship will investigate the varied sources of career advice young people use, and how advice-seeking behaviours are affected by parents and structural determinants as well as social disadvantage, race, migrant status, gender, health and disability.
Methods and Data
The project will require the application of advanced quantitative methods to analyse data mainly from the Growing Up in Scotland survey, as well as the Labour Force Survey. This will be the first UK study to use a longitudinal, nationally representative dataset of any UK nation to explore factors influencing young people’s post-school transition decisions and aspirations. By using a questionnaire tailored to the Scottish career eco-system, this research will provide an in-depth understanding of how the current formal career services and informal forms of advice are being used by different groups of young people in Scotland. More information about the dataset can be found here:
https://growingupinscotland.org.uk/about-gus/
Expected research outcomes
Understanding the factors that influence the career aspirations and decisions of young people is crucial in designing a careers service in Scotland that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. It is also vital to delivering on the policy ambition of achieving inclusive growth and fair work for all. The research will provide practical insights into how to design an effective career system that offers access to appropriate advice and services, particularly to those learners who encounter the greatest barriers and have the least support from informal sources of careers advice. This is key in ensuring that young people gain the skills and qualifications that match the labour market of the future.
Supervision
The academic supervisory team (Dr Valeria Skafida and Dr Elke Heins) bring expertise in social policy, labour market policy and quantitative methods. Emphasis will be placed on theory-led, creative and flexible approaches to data analysis. As this is a collaborative studentship with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the student will also have an SDS sponsor and will be supported and guided in producing impactful research.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants will have a first degree (undergraduate) at 2:1 or above and have a demonstrable interest in the topic area under investigation.
- Applicants can have a Masters degree, however this is not a requirement.
- Applicants can study part-time or full-time.
- Candidates should demonstrate an interest in using quantitative methods in a social science context.
Selection Process:
Applications will be ranked by an internal institutional selection panel, and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted for interview on or around the 27th of April 2023. Interviews will take place on the 4th of May (AM).
This studentship award is subject to the successful candidate securing admission to a PhD programme within the University of Edinburgh’s Social Policy doctoral programme. The successful candidate will be invited to apply for admission to the relevant PhD programme after the interview.
Funding Information.
The scholarship is available as a +3 (3 year PhD) or a 1+3 (Masters year and 3 year PhD) studentship depending on prior research training. This will be assessed as part of the recruitment process, however you can access guidance here to help you decide on which to apply for. The programme will commence in October 2023. The full ESRC studentship package includes, as advised by ESRC:
- An annual maintenance grant (stipend)
- Fees at the standard institutional home rate
- Students can also draw on a pooled Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
If you are interested in applying to the listed PhD studentship, please visit the site below, select the PhD studentship your are interested in and follow the further instructions provided under the "How to Apply" section.
https://www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentships/current-opportunities/
Continue with Facebook
