PhD: The role of visual art in engaging with and communicating scientific data and theory in the context of the ocean and water related issues

Summary

This is a collaborative project between Geography and Environmental Sciences and Fine Art. The objective of this research is to broaden the knowledge base that helps to develop an understanding how images and artistic strategies (de-)construct world views and influence awareness in wider society? How is art involved in the transformation of knowledge and public opinion on natural and cultural heritage and climate change in the Anthropocene? In what way does artistic practice articulate these questions by illustrating them or suggesting solutions? What visual tools do artists and scholars have that would capture changes taking place and what images and strategies are produced?

The successful candidate will develop practical and theoretical solutions in collaboration with ocean scientists to inspire wide reaching societal change for sustainability. The goal of this project is to expand and critically appraise societies’ understanding of the ocean’s value in terms of natural and cultural heritage, as well as the urgency of ensuring its health and resilience now and into the future.

The research will test how scientific data and concepts are best embodied in an artwork and how can this be translated into effective artworks. Such creative research-practices can stimulate deeper engagement with the specific study of environments that this project will research. Further, we aim to extend the discourse beyond conventional mechanisms for science communication and visual arts building a common language and model of coproduction outside these disciplinary silos. This research context provides rich possibilities for investigative art practices to directly access the fieldwork sites and cultural geographies (via land and sea), of scientific data and the key findings of this area.

This PhD expects research through creative practice leading to the development and testing of new artistic strategies and artefacts as a body of creative work, supporting a PhD thesis.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living