PhD Jameel scholarships

Applications are invited for ONE PhD (full-time) scholarships starting in the academic year 2013-14.

Eligibility criteria for the PhD scholarships

a) Person specification

Those applying for a PhD scholarship should have, or be studying for, a Master’s degree or similar postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Social Sciences, Philosophy or History) from a UK university. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with only a BA degree will be considered.
Full awards are open only to UK and EU nationals who satisfy UK residency requirements
Evidence of a clear ambition to develop a career in the area of Islam and Muslims in Britain
Familiarity with, and/or proven competence in, the use of qualitative research methods and associated data analysis techniques
Demonstrable record of interest in, and/or enthusiasm for, working with British Muslims
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preference may be given to those who will reside full-time in Cardiff

b) Research proposals must demonstrate very high academic standards and at least one of the following:

Potential social policy significance
Potential creation of an evidence-base that might inform changes and developments within or for British Muslim communities
Potential to promote better understanding of Islam and Muslim communities in Britain and in wider society
Scope for capacity-building amongst those who work with, or for, Muslims in Britain

c) Themes and topics:

Education. This is interpreted widely to include all aspects of educational provision and development. Proposals which focus on enhancing the quality of supplementary schooling for Muslim children in Britain are particularly welcome
Religious leadership. Subject areas of professional religious formation and continuing professional education and development, the delivery of pastoral care and community development, involvement in inter-faith relations, and processes of legal decision-making in Britain are particularly welcome
British Muslim arts and heritage. This is an area that has so-far received very little academic attention, and yet has potential significance for better understanding of the developing identity of British Muslims, social cohesion and the promotion of shared values, and the contribution of British Muslims to wider society.
Inter-generational and family relations. British Muslims communities are demographically ‘young’, and this poses particular questions and challenges. Whilst applications are welcomed on a range of topics, proposals that consider issues such as the support of Muslim ex-offenders, the enhancement of civic engagement by youth, and the issues arising from the growing Muslim elderly population (in a context of increasing extended family breakdown) will be particularly welcome.
Open-theme. Applicants are welcome to submit proposals on other topics besides those outlined above, but these must demonstrate exceptional academic merit and potential, and must be consonant with the existing expertise and interests of staff in the Department of Religious and Theological Studies.

Each PhD scholarship will comprise:

Full-time Cardiff University PhD fees for 3 years, starting in the academic year 2013-14
Stipend of approx. £16000 per year
Research allowance

How to apply for a PhD scholarship

Deadline: 15March 2013

All PhD scholarship candidates are required to complete the following:

1. Cardiff University Postgraduate online application form for PhD study. This can only be completed by using the Cardiff University Student Information and Management System (SIMS) where applicants will need to register as a ‘New User’. In order to do this, the applicant first needs to go to http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/general/applyonline/sharepgr.html and follow the instructions for applying for a full-time Doctor of Philosophy (Religious & Theological Studies). Applications must be submitted by the deadline.

2. A PhD Jameel Scholarships Application Form, all sections of which must be completed in full. PhD Jameel Scholarships Application Forms are available to download on the right-hand side of this page. Completed forms must be submitted as an email attachment with the heading ‘PhD Jameel Scholarships’ to jameelscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by the deadline.

3. Two references, of which AT LEAST one, must be from a University from which the applicant has graduated. References should be completed on a PhD Referee Report Form which should be sent as an email attachment to jameelscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by the deadline. The PhD Referee Report Form is available to download on the right-hand side of this page. Applicants should follow instructions given on the PhD Referee Report Form. Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that references are received by the deadline. Failure to do so will compromise the application.

4. A complete transcript of all marks achieved to date to be sent as an email attachment to jameelscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by the deadline. Failure to do so will compromise the application.

Checklist for PhD candidates

1. Submit Cardiff University online postgraduate application via SIMS for the PhD in Religious Studies by the deadline.

2. Submit a PhD Jameel Scholarships Application Form as an email attachment to jameelscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by the deadline.

3. Request each referee (2) to submit a PhD Referee Report Form as an email attachment to jameelscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by the deadline.

4. Submit a complete transcript of all marks achieved to date as an email attachment to jameelscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by the deadline.

Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator for any queries on 029 208 70903 (Mon-Thurs, 10am-4pm)

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held in the week beginning 8 April.