PhD Studentship: United Nations Alliance of Civilisations/Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations
Coventry University – Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR)
Closes: 20th January 2017
As part of a continuing programme of expansion of research activity in the role that intercultural relations and dialogue plays in forging (or inhibiting) social solidarity, trust and peaceful relations in diverse and changing societies, Coventry University is offering two full-time PhD studentship to well-qualified individuals, to start in May 2017.
Coventry University is offering this studentship as part of our partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations www.unaoc.org. The UNAOC promotes intercultural and interfaith dialogue amongst nations and builds bridges and understanding between different cultures and people. It promotes the development of more inclusive societies, in which diversity is experienced as an asset. Proposals are invited for a PhD research project exploring an area consistent with and developmental from the UNAOC Vision and Mission Statements.
Vision Statement: Guided by the principles of the UN Charter, the report of its High-Level Group, and the priorities of the Secretary-General, the UN Alliance of Civilizations works toward a more peaceful, more socially inclusive world, by building mutual respect among peoples of different cultural and religious identities, and highlighting the will of the world’s majority to reject extremism and embrace diversity. UNAOC will seek to operate in situations where is can contribute to broader efforts to ameliorate identity based crises and promote culturally sensitive development policies.
Mission Statement: The High-level group described UNAOC as an entity that would assist in diminishing hostility and promoting harmony among the nations. The UN Secretary-General has described it as a soft power tool for bridging divides and promoting understanding between countries or identity groups, all with a view toward preventing conflict and promoting social cohesion. UNAOC pursues its objectives through a variety of activities:
• Contacts and dialogues with stakeholders (governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental)
• Development of targeted projects
• Advocacy, including direct public statements or appearances by the High Representative or UNAOC staff
• Interventions to defuse religious and cultural tensions by mobilizing third parties that can act as forces of moderation and understanding such as religious leaders, grassroots organizations, youth leaders and women leaders.
We welcome applications with proposals for a PhD research project that will provide new insights about the impact of UNAOC’s work. This includes the work with youth, media, non-state actors and in migration. We welcome proposals that are interdisciplinary and use innovative and participatory research methods. We are looking for proposals that challenge existing ideas and expand current thinking, offering original insights and approaches by undertaking significant and rigorous research and contribute to change within UNAOC and the context within which the research is based. It is standard practice for supervision teams to consist of three staff members. For further information about potential supervisors interests and expertise, visit the CTPSR.
The PhD studentship will be based within an appropriate Research Group in the Centre, and the PhD student will be expected to work 6 hours per week as a research assistant as and when the opportunity arises.
The full-time PhD studentships will cover UK/EU or overseas tuition fee equivalent, and an annual stipend for the duration of the studentship.
About the host Centre/Department: The Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations has over 60 full-time research staff supported by a team of professional support staff. We take a multi-disciplinary approach to our work that brings together creative thinking on concerns of trust, peacebuilding, peace and reconciliation and on the contemporary challenges of societal relationships in a diverse and connected world. Our portfolio of excellent and impactful research seeks to change lives and enhance well-being. We convene and contribute to public debates, provide effective policy guidance at local, national, regional and global levels and generate international collaborative research through our global networks.
CTPSR’s Doctoral Programme: Our Doctoral Training Centre develops independent, trained, highly-employable researchers with knowledge, expertise and skills in strategically-important research areas with real-world impact within a large, vibrant and international postgraduate community.
Candidate specification
Entry criteria for applicants to PHD (standard)
• a taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study.
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
In all cases the most recent and highest qualification attained will be that utilised for assessment purposes
Additional items for candidate specification
• a first or good upper second class undergraduate degree in a related social science or in the humanities and a strong interest in pursuing research in this field
• skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods
How to apply: Application form, full supporting documentation, and covering letter, plus a 2000-word proposal addressing the research theme
Duration of study: Full-Time – 3 years 6 months
Interview dates: 06 February 2017
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 