Applications invited for first scholarship opportunity at University Centre Shrewsbury

News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury

University Centre Shrewsbury is offering a scholarship opportunity for a student to gain a doctorate and contribute to Shropshire’s future through their research.

Graduates are invited to apply for the University Centre’s first PhD Research Studentship, which focuses on analysing the potential for Shropshire’s economic growth.

The research will look at what factors are influencing the development of Shropshire’s economy, and could be of significance in the future. The student will evaluate what can accelerate growth, and how this research may add to understanding of economic forces on a regional and national scale. The work will also help in starting to shape part of the wider research focus for the University Centre.

The Research Studentship is offered on a three-year full-time basis. The student will receive £13,863 each year, in addition to a bursary to cover fees.

Anyone interested in the Studentship is asked to submit a research proposal on “Sustainable economic growth: local vs national initiatives”. The proposal should outline the general and specific issues that may be considered in developing and sustaining resilience in varying economic contexts at local and national levels.

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a social science discipline and preferably a Master’s degree in an economics, and/or business and management area.

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury Deputy Provost, said:

“This is another first for University Centre Shrewsbury, and is part of our aim to ensure that the institution has as much of a positive impact as possible.

“The Studentship provides an opportunity to gain a PhD and undertake research which will benefit Shropshire and the region, while also having the potential to be of national importance.”

The Studentship will involve close collaboration with Shropshire Council staff, partners within Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (covering the county together with Telford and Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council areas), and Shropshire-based enterprises.

Applications should include a completed postgraduate research degree application form and the detailed project proposal following the required template.  For further information on how to apply, the form and proposal template go to: www.chester.ac.uk/node/29427

The student will be based in Shrewsbury for the majority of the time, but with the need for travel to Chester. The deadline for applications is 10 April 2015.

Informal queries on proposal topics are invited; please contact Professor Peter Stokes, University of Chester Business School, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, on 07795 826937.  For general Research Studentship enquiries contact The Graduate School, University of Chester, at gradschool@chester.ac.uk.

University Centre Shrewsbury is being created by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council after research showed there was strong demand and interest in a new institution to serve the needs of the county, as well as a range of potential benefits.  For more details on the University Centre go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.