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Scholarship: Child Protection and Family Support Policies, Services and Practices

 

Ph.D. Scholarship : Child Protection and Family Support Policies, Services and Practices

Background and Description

The UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre (UCFRC) is offering a two-year funded full time Ph.D  scholarship / six-year part time Ph.D Scholarship (fees only available for part time)  focusing on the interface between child protection and family support policies, services and practices. Over the past decade or so, the UCFRC has engaged in a programme of research and evaluation which has repeatedly considered and raised questions about the critical nature of the relationship between protecting children and young people while simultaneously supporting them and their family members.  It is accepted that a key factor in the development of children is their experience of being parented and their experience of family. The social and emotional needs of children are supported by a positive parent-child relationship and within the family environment (Chan and Koo, 2011). The degree to which child welfare systems achieve a balance between protecting children and supporting families is generally regarded as a critical issue in the design and delivery of services (Lonne et al., 2009). In many jurisdictions, including Ireland there is an ongoing debate as to the difference between, and merits of a family support or a child protection orientation (Gilbert et al., 2011). 

To further contribute to this debate and to consider some of the key questions within the Irish context in particular, the UCFRC would like to support a full or part-time Ph.D. study that relates to the area of family support and child protection.  Interested candidates are asked to develop a short proposal for a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods study that is related to this theme. 

For further information on the work of the Centre see www.nuigalway.ie/childandfamilyresearch

 PHD TOPIC

  • Ph.D. study that relates to the interface between family support and child protection policies, services and practices.

SUPERVISORS

 SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING (Full-time or Part-time)

FULL-TIME
Scholarship Stipend:   €15,000 per annum & fees for 2 years.  (Stipend only available for full time Ph.D. Students) 

PART-TIME
Fees covered

 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

  • Minimum 2.1 in a social science undergraduate (Level 8) or Master’s Degree (This includes: psychology, sociology, social policy, social work, youth and family studies, family support, early childhood education, political science or any other related field deemed eligible by the panel)

Desirable

  • Masters in Research Methods
  • Evidence of interests in the field of child and welfare services reflected in education / research (e.g. relevant modules taken; prior research or dissertation subject) and/or practice.
  • Evidence of excellent skills in either Qualitative or Quantitative Research
  • Evidence of an interest in team-based commissioned research working.

 THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must include the following:

  • A personal statement (300 words)
  • A curriculum vitae
  • A research proposal/s (maximum 800 words)
    • The proposal must include what issues you would identify in pursuing Ph.D.  research in the topic(s) specified 
    • The proposal should include a consideration of the methological approach you would adopt.

 Applicants must also include two letters of reference from academic referees. Referees are asked to place  hardcopy  references in a signed sealed envelope and post to the address below:

Emily O’Donnell, Businesss Manager
UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre
Institute for Lifecource and Society
NUI, Galway.

Scholarship applications may be made (by email only) to Emily O’Donnell at emily.odonnell@nuigalway.ie

For specific queries on the PhD Topic contact:

Dr Carmel Devaney, carmel.devaney@nuigalway or Dr John Canavan, john.canavan@nuigalway.ie  

Selected candidates will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline and will be called for interview.

Please note successful applicants will be required to enroll on the structured PhD in Child and Youth Research and to register for Ph.D.  Studies at NUIG through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC).Further details on the Structured PhD in Child and Youth Research are available here

Deadline for receipt of applications: 5pm on Monday, 31st July 2017