Transforming Lives PhD Studentships – Sheffield Hallam University: Understanding the role of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSE) addressing health inequalities and other health system priorities

• Are you passionate about the role local community assets play in the provision of arts, culture and heritage?
• Are you committed to promoting equality diversity and inclusion through local community or social action?
• Are you interested in how this can be supported through effective collaboration across sectors?

Project Details

We have a unique opportunity within the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) Doctoral School and Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (SCII) at Sheffield Hallam University, and in association with the University of Sheffield, for a PhD student to undertake research into grassroots action in relation to art, culture and heritage. Prospective students are encouraged to propose their own areas of foci and research questions, based on previous study or policy/practice experience. However, we particularly encourage applications that seek to develop new knowledge about the motivations, processes and entanglements of local government, the NHS and arts, heritage and cultural organisations active within local communities. This could involve proposals based around the following topics:

• Creative health and arts on prescription.
• The role of local government in creating vibrant and shared cultural ecologies
• Demonstrating the value of grassroots arts, culture and heritage through creative and/or design-led methodologies
• Collaborative governance for local art, culture and heritage ecosystems

The studentship is linked to ongoing work in the city of Doncaster to develop a world leading arts, culture and heritage ecosystem through cross-sector collaborative governance and the development and implementation of an ambitious local cultural strategy. Key partners in this work include Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield, City of Doncaster Council, NHS South Yorkshire, darts, Cast and the wider local voluntary and community sector. The student will be supervised by Professor Chris Dayson, with additional supervisors drawn from the wider University dependent on the PhD topic and approach.

We encourage applications from a broad range of disciplines and methodological backgrounds including social sciences, art and design, culture and heritage studies, humanities, health services, human resource management and public administration. Proposals that intend to explore the development and application of innovative or creative research methodologies (qualitative or quantitative) are particularly encouraged. Where possible, prospective students should consider how their project could be embedded within, or address the needs and priorities of, Doncaster’s vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector.

Transforming Lives Scholarships are open to Home, EU and International applicants. The scholarship is for three and a half years full-time study (pro-rata part time) and covers home PhD fees, currently £4,786, and pays an annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate of £19,722 per year (figure awarded in the academic year 23/24). Generally, the shortfall between the Home and EU/International fee, currently £12,419 per year, will need to be covered by the student for the duration of the studentship.

To apply for a PhD, you will need to meet our entry requirements and provide:

A fully complete online application including:

• A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
• A personal statement – In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.

1. What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project?
2. How did you come up with your project proposal?
3. What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you?
4. Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences.

• Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
• Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.

International Students (Additional Information)

All international students will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:

1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme’s start date.

2. Educated with a UK Master’s degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme’s start date.

UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you are a national of one of these countries you will not need to provide evidence as listed above.

Further information is available on the CRESR course page.

Applying for a Studentship

Please complete an online application form for February 2025, available here.

Please note, your referees will be contacted automatically to provide a reference via the online application portal.

Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University, whilst in receipt of the scholarship.

Closing date for applications: 17:00 (GMT) on 31^st October 2024

Interviews will take place in-person and are likely to take place the week commencing 18^th November 2024.

Late applications will not be accepted.