PhD studentships

Application Reference Number:  17

Supervisory Team: Dr Shishank Shishank; Dr Di Li; Prof Nassim Belbaly

The complete manufacturing ecosystem is undergoing a phenomenal shift with technological advancements happening at a fast pace. This means that the business model currently used by the businesses would not suffice the growth and performance requirements, requiring a new transformed digital model for competitive performance.

The aim of the project is to design a new digital transformation business model for SMEs in the automotive supply chain in India.

Applicant requirements:

The successful candidate will have a strong background in business research methods with an evident interest in Industry 4.0, Blockchain and disruptive technology applications in supply chain management at MSC/MBA level or via demonstrable Industry experience. The PhD applicant should hold minimum of 2:1 honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification) with a desirable Master’s/MBA degree (or equivalent International qualification) in a related subject.

Contact information: Dr Shishank Shishank / +44 (0) 121 300 4120

Application Reference Number:  18

Supervisory Team: Prof Stefania Paladini, Dr Krish Saha, Dr Erez Yerushalmi

The space sector has never been as active, or as crucial, to the global economy since the times of the Apollo missions back in the 1960s, and it is projected to become “the next trillion-dollar industry by 2040”. Building on existing studies at national and international level, this PhD will adopt a mixed methodology to estimate the returns in terms of innovation, economic growth, and regional development of the space sector in the UK in the current environment.

The intended outcomes are to assess the likelihood and importance of spillovers of the space sector in the overall economy and together provide indications about the possible impact of Brexit in strategic sectors of the UK economy.

Applicant requirements:

The student should have a good bachelor degree (2.1 or equivalent) in disciplines of interests, including STEM subjects, and strong analytical skills (knowledge of quantitative methods desirable).

Previous working experience in companies and/or organisations is required; anything related to STEM and/or the space sector is desirable but not essential.

The candidate is also expected to obtain a PGCert as part of his/her development.

Contact information: Dr Stefania Paladini

Application Reference Number:  19

Supervisory Team: Dr Charlotte Carey; Dr Lucia Aquilino; Dr Richard Oddy

This is an exciting interdisciplinary project working in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT). It aims to explore how BMT can engage more widely with hard-to-reach Birmingham communities and build a sustainable business model. Looking through both a marketing and entrepreneurship lens it addresses: what relationships do communities have with Birmingham Museums? How could these develop to foster local pride and community cohesion? What is the role for BMT in place-making, skills development, health and well-being and tourism? How might widening audiences and fostering an entrepreneurial culture and mind-set in the organisation help to identify new opportunities for self-generated income?

Applicant requirements:

To an extent this is an interdisciplinary study where Marketing, Entrepreneurship, the Creative and Cultural industries and tourism overlap. A student with a good first degree in business or social sciences and ideally a masters would be useful. The ideal candidate will have an interest and passion for the development of the cultural industries.

Contact information: Dr Charlotte Carey

Application Reference Number:  16

Supervisory Team: Dr Scott Lichtenstein, Dr Eleni Papagiannaki, and Dr Erez Yerushalmi

The main aim of the PhD is to explore the impact of organisational forms that fuse employee, local and/or community owned enterprises based.  The objective of this research is to catalogue the different types of organisational based on mutualistic principles where employees and communities own the means of production, to use a case study approach to carry out cross-cultural, cross-sectoral case studies to explore if and in what ways ownership impacts upon organisational outcomes and behaviour including sustainable performance.

The outcomes will be a PhD thesis that will produce rigorous case studies as well as insight into how mutualism could be improved and expanded.  It is envisaged this project will generate interest in this area of study and provide the seed for a centre devoted to mutualism-localism.

Applicant requirements:

A business-related master’s degree would be desirable but not essential. Previous interest and experience in the co-operative movement or similar mutualistic enterprise would be an advantage.

Contact information: Dr Scott Lichtenstein / 0121 331 6941

Application Reference Number:  21

Supervisory Team: Dr Anne Richardson Oakes, Dr Ilaria Di-Gioia, Dr Friso Jansen, Dr Alice Storey 

This research project will investigate the mechanisms of the Organisation of American States (OAS) for establishing and promoting an environmental rule of law amongst its member states with particular reference to the role of the judiciary. It will place these in the context of a) the mechanisms of other human rights monitoring organisations, specifically the United Nations HRC Universal Periodic Review (UPR) with which the OAS cooperates b) the standards identified by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR)   and c) an emerging global consensus concerning the role of the judiciary in the protection of the environment and the promotion of environmental responsibility.

Applicant requirements:

The student should have a good first degree in Law and/or Politics. A second degree in a related area of study is desirable but not essential.

An interest/specialism in law and the environment is desirable. OAS and Inter-American Court of Human Rights materials are in English as well as Spanish. This means that there is no specific requirement for Spanish language skills although if available these may be useful for accessing supplementary materials.

Contact information: Dr Anne Richardson Oakes / 0121 331 6262

Application Reference Number:  4

Supervisory Team: Dr Lesley Storey, Dr Piotr Godzisz, Dr Keeley Abbott

Birmingham has hit the headlines because of protests against the inclusion of same sex relationships in sex and relationship education in schools.  This PhD aims to understand the debates, the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, their effects on LGBTQ people (including hate crime), as well as teachers’ confidence in incorporating LGBTQ content into their teaching.

Applicant requirements:

A minimum of 2.1 UK UG degree in a relevant subject (eg psychology, sociology, politics) or the overseas equivalent. Undergraduate level qualifications in qualitative methods and quantitative statistical analysis. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to work as a member of a team with shared goals. Interpersonal skills: ability to relate to others with tact and diplomacy.

Contact information: Dr Lesley Storey / 0121 331 5553

Application Reference Number:  7

Supervisory Team: Dr Emily Harrison; Dr Amy Cook; Dr Helen Egan

We are seeking a PhD candidate to work in collaboration with local schools to develop mental health interventions that can be implemented within the school environment. The project aims to (a) identify adolescents at risk of mental health problems, (b) evaluate existing approaches of intervention/support within participating schools, (c) gain an insight into teacher awareness of mental health in education, and (d) gain an insight into the support needed by these pupils to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Finally, the project will design, develop, administer, and evaluate the impact of a mental health intervention with participating children.

Applicant requirements:

• Candidates will be expected to have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree (or above) in Psychology or other relevant subject area.
• Relevant experience working on previous educational or developmental research projects, and/or previous work or voluntary placement(s) in schools is desirable.
• Candidates must have a strong interest in mental health in education.
• Candidates must be able to travel to participating schools independently and transport testing materials securely.
• Please note that you will need to complete a DBS check prior to any data collection.

Contact information: Dr Emily Harrison / 0121 331 6884

Application Reference Number:  9

Supervisory Team: Dr Chrisa Pornari, Dr Laura Hammond and Dr Tatiana Tkacukova

This project will evaluate the effectiveness of WMNow, West Midland Police’s (WMP) free community 2-way messaging system. WMNow delivers up to date, and local to the users, information from police and partners directly to the signed-up users’ inbox, including information such as local crime updates, appeals, and safety/crime prevention advice. The project will explore how the public receive and utilise such information, and whether WMNow makes communities feel safer, or instead whether WMNow might be increasing fear of crime/victimisation. This project will be conducted in collaboration with WMP and it will adopt both a qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Applicant requirements:

• A good Honours degree (at least 2.1) in a cognate discipline (e.g., Social Sciences, Psychology, Criminology)
• A demonstrable ability to conduct independent research.

Contact information: Dr Chrisa Pornari / 0121 331 6395

Application Reference Number:  13

Supervisory Team: Dr Deborah Earnshaw, Dr Elle Boag, Dr Samuel Parker and Professor Craig Jackson

Same-sex relationships, marriage and rights are more socially accepted than ever before, but concerns remain about stereotyping and conforming to gender roles as findings suggest heterosexual and homosexual individuals hold the same homosexual stereotypes. The mixed-method PhD should explore stereotyping of and conformity to homosexual characterisation in individuals in the UK, by investigating perspectives through multiple studies. The candidate should have an established understanding of stereotyping and conformity in non-heterosexual individuals.

Applicant requirements:

Essential:

•        Upper second class BSc Psychology (Hons) Degree (or equivalent GBC accredited qualification)
•        Practical experience and application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods
•        Good communication skills
•        Good writing ability

Desirable:

•        First Class BSc Psychology (Hons) degree
•        MSc in Psychological Research Methods
•        PGCert in Teaching and Learning
•        Postgraduate/advanced level quantitative statistical analysis
•        Advanced experience of qualitative data analysis

Contact information: Dr Deborah Earnshaw / 0121 331 6222

Application Reference Number:  25

Supervisory Team: Dr Paraic Scanlon, Dr Emily Coyne-Umfreville, Dr Emily Harrison, Dr Ian Mundy

 This project aims to understand the experiences of children with visible and invisible special education needs (SEN) in the Birmingham area educational system, and the attitudes of their educators and peers toward them within educational settings. This will be studied through analysis of large-scale Local Education Authority data on retention, progression and inclusion. Also, In-school examination of educator and peer attitudes toward children with SEN will take place to identify specific issues, using quantitative and qualitative methods. This project will help develop our knowledge toward improving the educational experience of children with SEN, at both policy and teaching practice level.

Applicant requirements:

Essential:

As this project will involve working with schools, a suitable candidate will only be appointed subject to a full, clear, enhanced DBS check

• BSc Psychology (Hons) Degree (2:1)
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft office, SPSS)
• Good communication skills
• Good writing ability
• PG Cert or willingness to gain
• Undergraduate level quantitative statistical analysis
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work as a member of a team with shared goals
• Interpersonal skills, ability to relate to others with tact and diplomacy

Desirable:

• First Class BSc Psychology (Hons) degree
• MSc in Psychology or Psychological Research Methods
• Experience conducting psychological experiments
• Experience working with children in a school environment
• Experience liaising with school administration and management
• Special Needs Education experience
• Experience with Large Data Sets

Contact information: Dr Paraic Scanlon / 0121 202 8532

Application Reference Number:  26

Supervisory Team: Dr Athfah Akhtar, Dr Panagiotis Rentzelas and Dr Silvio Aldrovandi 

Statistics show that individuals from BME communities experience comparable, if not higher levels of CMHDs. However, there is no clear evidence to show how well individuals from BME backgrounds engage with psychological interventions and whether these interventions are effective in treating this population. The aim of the PhD will be to use the rich data that is collected by IAPT services which currently is underutilised. Through this PhD the prospective candidate will apply innovative statistical data analysis techniques to see whether evidence-based psychological interventions offered by IAPT services are effective in treating common mental health disorders (CMHDs) for BME groups.

Applicant requirements:

Essential:

• As this project will involve working with schools, a suitable candidate will only be appointed subject to a full, clear, enhanced DBS check
• BSc Psychology (Hons) Degree (2:1)
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft office, SPSS)
• Good communication skills
• Good writing ability
• PG Cert or willingness to gain
• Undergraduate level quantitative statistical analysis
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work as a member of a team with shared goals
• Interpersonal skills, ability to relate to others with tact and diplomacy

Desirable:

• First Class BSc Psychology (Hons) degree
• MSc in Psychology or Psychological Research Methods
• Experience of working with mental health populations or in NHS mental health services
• Candidates who are quantitative focussed and experienced in large data sets.

Contact information: Athfah Akhtar / 0121 331 6215

Application Reference Number:  27

Supervisory Team: Dr Angela Hewett, Dr Emma Bridger, Dr Kyle Brown, Dr Jeffrey Wood

Within the context of changing demographic health needs and stretched NHS services, primary care networks (PCNs) were established to build on current primary care services and enable integration with a variety of allied health services. To deliver proactive, personalised and coordinated health and social care, PCNs are required to collate and integrate data across networks. These data range from local demographics and service usage to mortality and morbidity patterns. This project will facilitate and document the integration of data according to the needs of a West Midlands super-partnership supporting 9 PCNs, providing recommendations on local health priorities and how to better enable data integration for PCNs locally and regionally.

Applicant requirements:

Essential:

•         BSc in Public Health, Health Informatics, Psychology, Behavioural Science (Hons) Degree (2:1)
•         Advanced level quantitative statistical analysis
•         Computer proficiency (Microsoft office, SPSS)
•         Good communication skills
•         Good writing ability
•         PG Cert or willingness to gain
•         Effective oral and written communication skills
•         Ability to work as a member of a team with shared goals
•         Interpersonal skills: ability to relate to others with tact and diplomacy

Desirable:

•         First Class BSc Psychology (Hons) degree
•         MSc in Public Health, Health Informatics, Health Psychology, Psychological Research Methods, Behavioural Science (or similar)
•         Experience of conducting experiments or randomised controlled trials
•         Experience of writing up for publication
•         Postgraduate/advanced level quantitative statistical analysis
•         Experience of using R and/or coding
•         Experience of and or active interest in using public health surveillance data
•         Experience of and or active interest in health systems planning
•         Experience of and interest in local and national health policy (i.e. experience of local authority Health and Wellbeing boards)

Contact information: 

Application Reference Number:  28

Supervisory Team: Prof Harris Beider, Dr Dionne Taylor, Mr Kusminder Chahal

Birmingham City University’s School of Social Science is offering a 3 year fully funded PhD opportunity for a capable social scientist. Birmingham 2029 is the School’s flagship community-university engagement project. The PhD is central to the transformation the project wants to achieve.

The PhD is guided by ethnographic and participatory action research approaches and will give the student an opportunity to conduct in-depth, critical, qualitative research that may focus on one or two in-depth place-based participatory studies.

Candidates can apply from a range of social science disciplines, although it is important for them to be highly motivated and have an interest in place based community engagement/development. They should have strong qualitative skills (or would be able and willing to develop them) to undertake the PhD beginning in September 2020.

Applicant requirements:

Applicants should hold a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK) with a Master’s in a relevant Social Sciences subject desirable. Relevant research experience would be desirable particularly in a community setting.

Contact information: Harris Beider / 0121 331 5656

Application Reference Number:  29

Supervisory Team: Dr Geraldine Lee-Treweek, Dr Olga Fotakopoulou, Dr Kate Thomson, Loreen Chikwira, Kusminder Chahal (advisor)

Birmingham City University’s School of Social Science is offering a 3 year fully funded PhD opportunity for a capable social scientist. The School is embarking on an ambitious flagship community-university engagement project called Birmingham 2029 and the PhD is central to the transformation the project wants to achieve.

The PhD candidate will focus on young people’s engagement in activism in Birmingham, examining young people’s understandings and attitudes towards engagement with local activism. Working with a community partner and young people you will co-design and co-produce a participatory approach that includes an action research project (youth-led), focusing on processes and impacts of youth community activism.  You will be supported and will work with supervisors who have experience of youth led participatory action research, community work and public policy, along with specialists from the community partner.

Candidates can apply from a range of social science disciplines, although it is important for them to be highly motivated and have an interest in place based community engagement/development and young people. They should have strong qualitative skills (or would be able and willing to develop them) to undertake the PhD beginning in September 2020.

Applicant requirements:

Applicants should hold a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK) and desirably a Master’s in a relevant Social Sciences subject. Relevant research experience would be desirable particularly in a community setting.

Contact information: Geraldine Lee-Treweek