Applications are open for a brand-new, fully funded PhD studentship in “Representing ability and diversity in contemporary YA fiction.”
The purpose of this project is to:
- research contemporary Anglophone YA fiction for teenagers
- develop your own research questions, for example by considering how YA fiction covers disability rights, or promotes inclusion.
Disability studies in children’s literature is a large field of enquiry with a diverse body of underpinning research, and one can now produce a long list of relevant primary texts for consideration (see www.disabilityinkidlit.com, for instance).
This project will research contemporary Anglophone YA fiction for teenagers. Applicants are encouraged to develop their own research questions within this broad topic. You might, for instance, consider how fantasy worlds construct ability; how disability rights and activisms are negotiated; how literature for young people by disabled authors or illustrators reimagines representation; how difference and ‘normalcy’ are juggled in terms of teenage concerns with sex, gender identity, sociability, and independence; or how digital or other ‘new’ disability literatures work towards inclusion. All novel approaches to the field will be considered.
This project will be supervised by Professor Eugene Giddens, who is happy to answer any queries.
Successful applicants will benefit from a fee waiver and a stipend/bursary at Research Councils UK (RCUK) level. For 2017-18, this is £14,553. As PhDs run for three years, your stipend will be uplifted in line with RCUK recommendations for each year of study.
Entry requirements
The Vice Chancellor’s PhD Studentships are open to full-time UK/EU applicants.
To apply, you’ll need:
- a 1st
- or a 2:1 and a Masters at Merit level or above (or equivalent).
Your qualifications should be in an area related to the studentship you’re applying for.
You should be ready to submit your thesis within 3.5 years pf starting your PhD. Please note that the University retains intellectual property rights to the research.
Download full terms and conditions
How to apply
- Download and complete our application form
- Enclose a copy of your CV
- Send your application form and CV to vcphdstu@anglia.ac.uk
- The deadline for applications is 24 July 2017
- A panel will review all applications and draw up a shortlist
- If you’re shortlisted, we’ll invite you to an interview. We expect to hold interviews week commencing 21 August. Please note that you’ll be required to attend a face-to-face interview
Other opportunities at ARU
As well as our Vice Chancellor’s PhD Studentships, we have a range of innovative, self-funded research project opportunities available, in disciplines ranging from psychology to life sciences, and computing to engineering. Explore your options.
