[ad_1] Overview Robert Gordon University has a strong track record of high quality and impactful research that delivers significant so
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Overview
Robert Gordon University has a strong track record of high quality and impactful research that delivers significant social, cultural and economic value, contributing to sustainable growth, improved service provision, and increased innovation. We also have a strong commitment to research that involves co-production and collaborative working with partners locally and globally across the public, private and third sectors.
As part of a major new investment in research, and to foster innovative interdisciplinary research that is relevant and responsive to real-world challenges, we have a number of fully funded 3 year full-time equivalent Interdisciplinary PhD studentships (fees and stipend), available for students from the UK and overseas.
We welcome applicants whose research crosses disciplinary boundaries, and aligns with one or more of RGU’s four research themes:
- Environment, Energy and Sustainability
- Health and Wellbeing
- Living in a Digital World
- Inclusive and Creative Societies
Explore examples of potential projects aligned with these themes:
These example projects will give you insight into our expertise, but you are also very welcome to submit an original project proposal that aligns with the interdisciplinary research themes. Therefore, we will also be offering funding to support the best ideas for research degree projects that you would like to undertake where these align with the interdisciplinary research themes.
WEBINAR FOR APPLICANTS
To maximise support available to those who would potentially be interested in submitting an expression of interest, RGU will be hosting a dedicated online interactive webinar on Wednesday 3 May at 12:00 noon (GMT). The webinar will provide any clarification and guidance needed, and is a great opportunity to ask questions that you may have.
EMAIL TO REGISTER FOR THE INTERDISCIPLINARY PHD STUDENTSHIP WEBINAR
FUNDING OFFERED
Studentship funding awards made will provide full UK tuition fees and include provision of a tax-free annual stipend (set at current UKRI level for session 2023/24). Although the amounts have not yet been finalised by UKRI, in session 2022/23 these were a tuition fee of £4,596 and annual stipend of £17,668. The revised UKRI amounts for session 2023/24 will be offered to those applicants who are successful in being awarded a 3 year-fully funded studentship.
Potential international candidates should note that the tuition fee award available within the fully funded interdisciplinary studentships is set at the home tuition fee level and will not be for the full international tuition fee. Before submitting an expression of interest, candidates based overseas are encouraged to check tuition fee status and eligibility criteria as detailed.
These awards cannot be held concurrently with any other source of funded scholarships and only available on the basis that no other funding is being provided.
Successful candidates must be able to commence study at the beginning of October 2023 and there will be no option to delay.
LENGTH OF FUNDING
The maximum funded period for all awards is 36 months for those studying full time for PhD. However, students will be permitted to undertake study on a part-time basis, where funding would be 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) for 60 months. All students will be registered for a further 12 months to a maximum completion period of either 48 months (full-time) or 72 months (part-time). The assessment period fee for the final 12 months will also be covered by this studentship award, although it should be noted no stipend will be offered during this final year (to those in receipt of a fully funded award).
Eligibility
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES OF RESIDENCE
All countries are eligible for this scholarship, funding or discount.
ELIGIBLE COURSES
Course Level
Mode of Attendance
Mode of Study
Subject Area
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Academic Background
As a minimum requirement candidates must possess, or shortly expect to obtain (no later than August 2023), a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree at undergraduate level (or the international equivalent) but excluding any candidates who already possess a doctorate. The subject of the undergraduate and/or postgraduate master’s degree should be in a relevant academic discipline to the research project/proposal.
English Language Requirements
For candidates whose first language is not English, to be eligible for a studentship you are either required to have your previous academic qualification taught in English or evidence English language competency at an overall level of IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all categories), or equivalent.
Tuition Fee Status and Eligibility Criteria
Before submitting an expression of interest, you should consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) to obtain information on the categories and criteria to determine your eligibility for home fees or otherwise. Although the fee status eligibility criteria are established by the Scottish Government, UKCISA provide an interpretation of their regulations:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
RGU seeks to attract the greatest diversity of expressions of interest, including from people from BAME minorities, women, LBGTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled, or people from socio-economically disadvantaged or care-experienced backgrounds.
Conditions of the Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship Award
Prior to submitting an expression of interest, candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria detailed to ensure that the requirements for acceptance have been (or will be) achieved.
An expression of interest for an Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship award should be submitted before making a formal application to the RGU admissions system.
Only those who receive an offer will then be required to formally apply to the RGU admissions system.
Where candidates have been offered an award on a conditional basis, it is essential that they must evidence that all conditions and eligibility criteria have been met and in turn secured an unconditional offer before the start date of the PhD programme at the beginning of October 2023.
It is important to note that any candidates who receive an offer of award, but do not achieve the requirements for an unconditional offer by the beginning of October 2023, will have the award withdrawn.
How to Apply
INITIAL EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Candidates are required to complete the expression of interest form in which there is the option to either:
- select a specific research project on the RGU website that details all project opportunities currently available:
RESEARCH DEGREES
or, - submit a detailed research project proposal for a project that aligns to one of our four interdisciplinary research themes. Detailed guidance on how to prepare you proposal:
Research Proposal Writing Guide
The expression of interest form contains sections that candidates are required to complete about personal details, academic and professional qualifications, background and experience, and details of nationality, to assess eligibility and suitability. There is also a section to allow candidates to offer a detailed supporting statement outlining suitability for either the PhD project selected or to be able to undertake the project that has been proposed.
Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship – Expression of Interest form
Completed Expression of Interest forms should be submitted to:
INTERDISCIPLINARYPHDSTUDENTSHIPS@RGU.AC.UK
PROCESS FOR SELECTION
Expression of interest will be assessed by the interdisciplinary research theme panels, and nominations for an award made to a university award panel.
It is anticipated that provisional offers for awards will be made during the week commencing Monday 19 June 2023. Only when all those who have been successful in being offered and awards, will unsuccessful candidates be notified to that effect.
SECURING THE AWARD
Following the provisional offer of an award, it will be necessary that this will be finalised by the candidate. Each successful candidate is required to make a formal application for a PhD programme commencing at the beginning of October 2023, and the formal application process can be initiated.
This will in turn permit the successful candidate to receive a Letter of Offer for study, and should this offer be conditional, i.e. if there are any specific conditions remaining, it will be necessary for outstanding conditions to be met before an unconditional Letter of Offer is issued.
It is important to follow the process detailed to submit an expression of interest, and not to make an application directly through our application portal. Any such applications will not be considered by the selection panel, and only eligible expressions of interest will be considered.
Also, it is the responsibility of the candidate to follow this process by the deadlines noted in the timeline. Should any candidate be unable to complete all the necessary requirements to be able to commence study at the beginning of October 2023, then the offer for a studentship will be withdrawn.
DATA PROTECTION
The information provided by individuals within the expression of interest form will be held securely within RGU in keeping with institutional policy on data protection. Only those staff who are required to have access to this material will be permitted to do so. This will include staff involved with the administration of the overall process and members of the selection panels. Details will not be released to any other party at any time and restricted access will comply with our Privacy & Cookie Statement.
TIMELINE 2023
The specific dates provided detail the timeline for the stages in the process for Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship Awards to be made for commencement of study at the beginning of October 2023.
Expression of Interest
- Launch of Interdisciplinary PhD Studentships Awards 2023: Monday 24 April
- Information webinar for potential candidates: Wednesday 3 May at 12:00 noon (GMT)
- Final date for submission of Expression of Interest: Friday 26 May at 17:00 (GMT)
Selection Panel Review
- Meetings of the interdisciplinary theme selection panels: Monday 22 May – Friday 16 June
- Candidates informed of final outcome: Week commencing Monday 19 June
Formal Application Requirement for Successful Candidates
- Deadline for successful candidates to complete formal application for PhD programme through the RGU Online Application System: Friday 14 July at 17:00 (GMT)
- Interdisciplinary PhD Studentships Award confirmed when RGU issues Unconditional Offer for the PhD programme: As soon as possible after successful online application
It is the responsibility of the candidate to follow this process by the deadlines noted in the timeline shown. Should any candidate be unable to complete all the necessary requirements to be able to commence study at the beginning of October 2023 then any conditional offer for a Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship will be withdrawn.
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