Funded PhD opportunity
Summary
Collaborating with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), this pioneering project seeks to understand the lived experiences of racially minoritised children subject to Out-of-Court Disposals (OOCDs) in the youth justice system (YJS).
By innovatively combining quantitative, qualitative, and participatory research methodologies, this project will pioneer a blend of multiple fields of enquiry (criminology, sociology, and ethnicity studies) to investigate the perennial problem of the over-representation of racially minoritised children in the YJS.
To establish, evidence and articulate the lived experiences of racially minoritised children’s experiences of OOCDs, the project seeks to explore the effectiveness of OOCDs in diverting racially minoritised children from the YJS; supporting children to articulate their lived experiences of OOCDs; and establishing the extent to which the YJS supports children to meaningfully participate in the decisions made about them.
The project will offer GMCA a set of practical strategies for addressing the findings. This collaboration will give the researcher a unique opportunity to bridge between scholarly and professional practices in the field of Youth Justice.
Aims and objectives
The primary aim of the project is to address the significant gap in the academic and empirical understanding of the experiences of racially minoritised children subject to OOCDS in the YJS. The project will improve policy, practice, and service delivery across Greater Manchester.
It will do this by:
- providing an analysis of the effectiveness of OOCDs
- supporting the participation (of racially minoritised children) in the development of evidence-based materials to improve their experiences of OOCDs
- providing practical recommendations for addressing racial disparity and mitigating its consequences
Specific requirements of the project
Requirements include:
- an informed knowledge of the YJS in England and Wales, especially racial disparities
- basic knowledge and experience of quantitative analysis
- experience of qualitative research methods, including participatory and/or creative approaches
- experience of undertaking research and/or working with children
- an interest in policy creation
- the ability to carry out fieldwork across the Greater Manchester region
- the interest and ability to undertake a three-month research placement with the research partner, GMCA (as per the requirements of the studentship)
- a Disclosure and Barring Service check for the successful candidate
We particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised backgrounds and those with lived experience.
Applications should include:
- a personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining:
- why you are interested in this project
- your motivations for postgraduate research
- your research experience
- the wider skills and experience you would bring to the project, including professional, voluntary or personal achievements
- your CV
- a sample of written work (eg a research article, chapter, or essay)
Student eligibility
Open to home and overseas students.
Fully funded PhD.
Annual stipend provided: Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £19,237 for 2024/25
How to apply
Interested applicants should contact Professor Hannah Smithson, h.l.smithson@mmu.ac.uk for an informal discussion.
To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a PhD in Sociology (or download the PGR application form).
You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.
If applying online, you must upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Closing date 18 March 2024. Expected start date October 2024.
Interviews will be held w/c 1 April 2024.
Please quote the reference: ArtsHums-HS-2024-AHGMCA