School of Education and Communities (EDUCOM) Research Excellence PhD Studentships – University of East London

The University of East London (UEL) invites applications from highly qualified and motivated students for 3 Excellence PhD Studentships starting in September 2024. The Research Excellence PhD Studentships are the premier postgraduate merit studentship at UEL and provide full tuition fees and a generous stipend.

The School of Education and Communities (EDUCOM) is a leading institution in the field of education, offering exceptional programs in areas such as Global Development, Politics and Sociology, Social & Community Work, Early Childhood & Education, and Teacher Education & Training.

University of East London

The University of East London, established in 1898, aims to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and create a balanced, inclusive, and green future. Its research is impact-led, intellectually stimulating, and socially relevant, influenced by East London’s urban transformation. The Research Excellence PhD Studentships are central to the University’s strategy to enhance research volume, quality, impact, and part of our investment in people, culture, and environment. UEL offers a comprehensive Researcher Development Programme (RDP) tailored for postgraduate research students. The programme consists of three main strands:

Researcher-Ready: This training strand helps PGRs to navigate their doctoral journey by developing essential skills in research design, theory, ethics, and academic writing.

Empowering Researchers: This strand of the RDP focuses on peer-to-peer mentoring, ideas sharing, wellbeing, and community.

Pioneering Researchers: This strand of training focuses on employability skills, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange for academic, industry, alternative career paths.

EDUCOM Research Centres & Thematic Research Areas

EDUCOM promotes innovation and collaboration through interdisciplinary approaches. The school’s research centres- Centre for Social Change and Justice, Centre for Wellbeing, Community, and Inclusion, and Centre for Migration, Refugees and Belonging, serve as hubs for innovation and collaboration. These centres address societal challenges, promote research collaborations, and foster connections between academia and the community, focusing on critical thematic areas, such as:

• Early Childhood Education: Exploring innovative approaches to early childhood education, including pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and the impact of early interventions on children’s development and learning outcomes.
• Education and Wellbeing: Investigating the intersections between education, psychosocial approaches, and wellbeing, focusing on factors affecting student well-being, mental health support systems, and the role of education in holistic development.
• Social Justice, Equality, and Diversity: Investigating issues related to social justice, equality, and diversity, with a focus on addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusive practices within diverse communities.
• Communities and Community Development: Examining processes of community engagement, empowerment, and social change, with an emphasis on fostering resilient and sustainable communities through collaborative initiatives and participatory approaches.
• Sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Researching sustainable practices and policies to achieve the UN SDGs, including environmental conservation, social equity, economic development, and global partnerships.
• Digital Inequalities: Examining disparities in access to digital technologies, digital literacy, and the impact of digital inequalities on social inclusion, educational attainment, and economic opportunities, with a focus on addressing digital divides and fostering digital equity.

For candidates interested in learning more about our school-specific research expertise and opportunities for supervision, and informal enquiries, please contact Sanzida Akter (s.akter@uel.ac.uk).

Eligibility

• Applicants must have at least 2:1 degree in Social Sciences, Education, or any cognate area (or an overseas qualification that can be deemed equivalent), and
• Masters degree (Merit) in a relevant field (or an overseas qualification that can be deemed equivalent).
• The applicant must have a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall and 6.5 in all components, typically two years prior to application, if English is not their first language.

How to apply

Please email the following as ONE PDF document to educomschooloffice@uel.ac.uk

• Research proposal should include a research question, proposed methodology and preliminary timeline (not more than 1500 words).
• A personal statement detailing your motivation to pursue this research and your potential contributions to the school’s research environment (not more than 300 words).
• Short CV highlighting your recent experience and skills.
• Your degree certificates, transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency.
• Details of two referees. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree.

Closing date for applications is May 2, 2024. Interviews week commencing May 20, 2024. If you are successful at the interview and offered a studentship you will be directed to complete the UEL application process.