Forced Criminal Exploitation of Children: Prevention, Prosecution and Punishment

To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering one full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship or International Fees Bursary for candidates applying for the following project

Closing date: - 29th February 2016.
Studentships will start on 26th September 2016
Supervisors: Professor Gerry Johnstone [Email Address Removed] 0044(0)1482 - 465040 Law School
Dr Shahrzad Fouladvand [Email Address Removed] 0044(0)1482- 465768, 305188 Law School & WISE

The holder of this PhD scholarship will conduct a substantial piece of original research into the phenomenon of forced criminal exploitation of children. There is growing evidence of transnational organised crime groups trafficking children and forcing them to engage in a various criminal activities, including cannabis cultivation, petty street crime and illegal street trade. The specific focus of this PhD research project will be on the policies and practices through which societies seek to control the problem of forced criminal exploitation of children and to identify and handle those deemed responsible for it.

We especially encourage candidates who have the aspiration and ability to advance knowledge and understanding of this phenomenon through theoretically-informed empirical research. The candidate might approach this phenomenon from the perspective of a range of disciplines and fields of study, including criminology, socio-legal studies, international human rights scholarship, sociology of deviance and social control, policy studies, applied ethics and adjacent fields of study.

In order to demonstrate suitability to be awarded this scholarship, we encourage applicants to submit with their application a PhD research proposal. This proposal, which will play a key role in the selection process, should consist of 2,000-3,000 words and include the following: (i) a statement of your research objectives and/or core research questions; (ii) your approach, in broad terms, to answering your questions; (iii) why you think your research will be significant; (iv) how your research will advance, develop or challenge existing literature relevant to the phenomenon of forced criminal exploitation of children and (v) a brief summary of the knowledge, skills and qualities you have that makes you especially qualified to conduct this research.

The problems of forced criminal exploitation of children invites an interdisciplinary approach. Hence, this PhD project will be conducted in an interdisciplinary research institute, viz. the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) and in the Law School. The person awarded this scholarship will be supervised jointly by Professor Gerry Johnstone and Dr Shahrzad Fouladvand (profiles at http://www2.hull.ac.uk/fass/law_school/staff/johnstone_g.aspx and http://www2.hull.ac.uk/fass/wise/people/permanent_associates/dr_shahrzad_fouladvand.aspx).
For informal queries or further information on this PhD Scholarship, please email Dr Fouladvand [Email Address Removed]

To apply for this post please click on the Apply button below.

In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1, or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarships will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£14,057 in 2015/16) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.

Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependent on satisfactory progress.

PhD students at the University of Hull follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.

Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 30th April 2016 at the latest.