Human Geography: ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (PhD) – Collaborative Studentship: ‘DEFINE: unDerstanding Experiences of deaF unIversity studeNts in WalEs – A Case Study’ – in collaboration with Health Care Research Wales and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Begin your postgraduate research journey at Swansea University: a top 30 research university (REF 2014) producing internationally recognised research that makes a real difference to society. We provide a welcoming environment for PhD researchers with specialist training, advice and development opportunities. As an ESRC Wales DTP researcher, you will also benefit from cohort-based networking events and dedicated ESRC Wales DTP student representatives at each campus.
Swansea University values diversity and equality at all levels and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
Funding providers: ESRC (50%); Health Care Research Wales (50%)
Subject areas: Human Geography, Human and Health Sciences
Project start dates:
- +3 Course - 1 October 2022 (enrolment open from mid-September)
- 1+3 Course - 26 September 2022 (enrolment open from mid-September)
Supervisors:
This studentship is a ‘collaborative’ award. Applicants should carefully consider the working title and description of the project and may wish to contact the named supervisor and/or the Swansea pathway contact for a discussion prior to applying. They are:
- Main Supervisors: Dr Julia Terry and Dr Angharad Closs Stephens
- Pathway contact: Dr Chris Muellerleile
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Human Geography
Mode of study: Full or part-time study is possible. We welcome applications for both full- and part-time study.
Please note that full-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold either a full-time job or a permanent part-time job during the period of their award. Part-time ESRC studentship award holders cannot hold a full-time job.
Project description:
Context: Deaf people have lower educational qualifications and lower employment than hearing people, reporting isolation and exclusion which impact their development, engagement and mental health. Many d/Deaf people report lonely and challenging university experiences. 46% of d/Deaf students start university without support, lack targeted resources, with equality issues unmet.
Rationale: There is a lack of grounded, experiential research focusing on lived experiences of d/Deaf people as they navigate challenging HE environments. This interdisciplinary project seeks to tackle exclusion through people-powered change by exploring intersectional identities, and everyday experiences of society and space, to advance knowledge of how being d/Deaf is understood and contested.
Scope:
Probable aims: To identify experiences of d/Deaf students in Welsh universities exploring isolation, spatial and societal exclusion, and what facilitates positive experiences opening future possibilities.
Objectives:
- To explore the intersectional needs of students with multiple identities;
- To understand d/Deaf students’ everyday experiences of space and society;
- To develop a framework to support d/Deaf students in Welsh universities to better meet their educational, social and identity needs.
Research questions:
- What are the unique, everyday life experiences of d/Deaf university students in Wales?
- What then, are the barriers and enablers to a positive university experience for d/Deaf university students in Wales?
Established in 1920, Swansea University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Swansea (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Wales. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, Swansea University is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Swansea University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 99 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.