The School of Education at the University of Lincoln, UK, is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship dedicated to the investigation of educational inequalities in rural contexts. The successful candidate will design and carry out a study of factors contributing to the production and reduction of educational inequalities in rural contexts in the UK, focusing on or including the county of Lincolnshire. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and familiarity with problems of educational justice and equality, have advanced competencies in quantitative or mixed-method research design and analysis, have the potential to conduct independent academic research, and demonstrate competent academic writing.

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with an undergraduate or Master’s degree in the field of education. The successful candidate may begin this studentship from September 2015.

Eligibility: Candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criterion for studentships of an Upper Second-Class honours degree (2:1) or an appropriate Master’s degree or equivalent. A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 7 (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language. International candidates are eligible to apply, but would be required to pay the difference between UK/EU and international fees.

How to apply: Applicants should submit a covering letter detailing their interest and academic experience, an 2,000–2,500 word research proposal outlining their proposed design, theoretical framing and methodological approach, and a CV. Please cite project reference and project title in all correspondence. Deadline for expressions of interest is 5:00 p.m. on 22 July 2015. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be notified on 24 July 2015 with interviews being held on 29 July 2015.

For further inquiries about this project and to submit your application materials, please contact Maureen Young by email at studentshipscss@lincoln.ac.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange a meeting to discuss the proposed research.