Phd Research Studentships s1
Self-Funded PhD Research Project
GSBS: Department of Social Science, Media and Journalism
Project Reference Number: GSBS2016/002
Project Title: Hate Crime in Scotland: Victims and Offenders
Self-funded research applications are invited for the following PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian University. Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the successful candidate will be required to source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses while studying at the university.
Research Discipline areas
Criminology, Sociology, and Social Policy
Research Theme(s)
This proposal fits squarely with GCU’s research theme of Inclusive Societies, and relates more specifically to the Equality and Justice theme. Both proposed supervisors are members of the Violence, Crime and Justice Research Group.
Research Supervisor Contact
Dr Annette Robertson (Director of Studies) (staff contact)
Professor Lesley McMillan (Second Supervisor)
Research Project Summary
This research will investigate hate crime in the Scottish context. The Scottish Government defines hate crime as any crime committed against a person or property that is motivated by ‘malice or ill-will towards an identifiable group’. Scots Law recognises hate crimes as motivated by prejudice based on such factors as sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability, racial or religious factors. This legal approach is unique in that it is based on the motivation of the offender and not the experience of victimisation per se. Evidence suggests people may not recognise themselves as victims of hate crime contributing to low rates of reporting to the police. ‘Third party’ reporting schemes have been developed that allow witnesses to report hate crime in place of the victim, adding another unique dimension to this crime.
Sectarianism has been the primary focus of hate crime debates in Scotland to the detriment of other types. Nonetheless, the Scottish Government has identified tackling all forms of hate crime as a priority in its ‘Strategy for Justice’. Following the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015, reported hate crime based on racial/religious factors spiked, with 64 incidents reported to Police Scotland in just one week, compared to a total of 569 incidents of religiously aggravated offending in Scotland for the whole of the previous year (Police Scotland, November 2015). At the same time the first group of asylum seekers arrived in Scotland from Syria, to a mixed reception, which challenged Scotland’s ‘welcoming’ façade.
As there has been no focused research on hate crime in Scotland, this studentship will draw on criminological and sociological theoretical frameworks, and novel empirical investigation, in order to understand both the individual and collective experiences of victims and the motivation of offenders. As there is a dearth of Scottish research on this topic, and a multitude of potential areas of investigation, the exact focus will be determined in relation to the expertise and interests of the successful candidate.
Mode(s) of Study
This project is available as a:
· PhD: 3 years full-time
· PhD: 4.5 years part-time
· 1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time or 2 years part-time] + PhD as above
Institute/Research Groups (if applicable)
Equalities and Justice
APPLICATION DETAILS
Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a relevant 1st or 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact potential research supervisors to discuss their research interests before applying.
Applicants should complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/) stating the project title and reference number and attaching a research proposal.
The form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation to: . Applicants shortlisted for a PhD will be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadlines
The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application deadlines for 2016-17 are as follows:
· October 2016 Start - 30 June 2016
· February 2017 Start - 1 December 2016
· May 2017 Start - 1 March 2017
Research Degree Fees
Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/feesfinance/researchfees/
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