Dr R Swetnam
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Applications are invited for the following PhD studentship at Staffordshire University starting in September 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Background
The appearance of our valued landscapes is under threat from climate change, the spread of invasive species and land-use pressures. People from all walks of life are passionate about the landscapes that they love; but what is it about a particular view seen at a particular time by an individual that is valued? Are some aspects common across cultures? Can we quantify this? How will we know if our landscapes are suffering decline in their visual appeal, if we have no means to measure it? Digital tools to assess landscape quality include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and form one part of the management toolkit needed to monitor these processes. Recent work in Geography at Staffordshire University has developed a Visual Quality Index (VQI) which quantifies landscape quality using GIS (Swetnam et al., 2017). The VQI has been successfully applied to 300 Welsh sites and field testing in Iceland in 2016 has indicated its potential portability. Further research using other landscape types is now required to i) assess the impact of data scale and quality and ii) evaluate the impact of cultural and social preference on the value we place on the visual quality of our open spaces.
This PhD
This is an interdisciplinary PhD project which will build upon this ongoing research, by exploring one or more of the following research topics:
Appropriate spatial and temporal scales to undertake visual landscape assessment.
How do we tailor work appropriately to different environmental settings?
An evaluation of the impact of seasonal changes on visual quality ratings.
What information is most important to people?
Are there any commonalities between culture and place?
How can such rich, contextual information be quantified so that it can be incorporated meaningfully into larger scale surveys?
Cross-cultural comparisons of visual landscape assessment in a globalising world. Do we all value the same things in landscapes and how does this vary with nationality and socio-cultural context?
The exact focus of the PhD will be determined in consultation with the candidate, depending on their interests and skills. Due to the spatial nature of these questions, this PhD will be heavily dependent on GIS for data analysis, storage and presentation. Candidates must therefore, be able to demonstrate a real enthusiasm for such technology, a competence in its use and a willingness to develop high-level skills. Potential study sites include the UK or Iceland, but other landscapes and locations are welcomed and encouraged.
Keywords: landscape quality; visual aesthetics; GIS; seasons; culture
Informal enquiries are welcomed: please contact Ruth or Fiona:
- Dr Ruth Swetnam, Associate Professor of Geography, ([Email Address Removed])
- Professor Fiona Tweed, Professor of Physical Geography, ([Email Address Removed])
Applicant Criteria
The following personal and professional attributes are required:
- Degree in Geography or related discipline (e.g. Environmental Science, GeoScience)
- An MSc / MA or equivalent post-graduate experience
- Demonstrable experience with GIS, (ArcGIS preferred)
- Good English writing skills – publication of research results will be expected and encouraged
- A willingness to engage with social science research techniques (online surveys for example)
- Fieldwork experience – some landscape data collection will be required
- A wide-ranging interest in landscapes, landscape change and people
Application Information
To apply please send a cover letter and CV to the Graduate School at [Email Address Removed] by 4th August 2017.
In your cover letter please explain why you are interested in the specific project and what you will bring to it, your suggested focus and why you are confident that you will be able to complete the PhD successfully (note - this is in place of a Research Proposal). Applications that do not state which specific project they relate to will not be considered.
Closing Date for applications: Friday 4th August 2017
For information Interviews will be held in late August/ early September 2017
We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all
Funding Notes
The Studentships will run for 3 years and include a fee waiver equivalent to the home/EU rate and a Tax-free stipend of £14,553 p.a. for three years, subject to satisfactory progress.
In addition to PhD studies successful applicants will also deliver up to six hours per week of light teaching or teaching related support.
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