Start Date: July 2015

Background to the Research

The School of Civil and Building Engineering is host to one of the most diverse and successful Built Environment research communities where a student graduates with a PhD almost every two weeks. The School is committed to investing in doctoral research and in developing construction policy studies research as a research theme. The theme is based on the assumption that policy per se fundamentally underpins our ongoing applied research and industry reform initiatives. The studentship is therefore a significant opportunity to develop and/or deepen insights into contemporary industrial policy. Emphasis will be placed upon policies connected to sustainability, low energy construction, labour and productivity and industry change. Specifically, the studentship will be located within the Built Environment Research portfolio and forms an integral part of our ongoing research strategy.

The Position

Broadly, the studentship provides an opportunity to make a contribution to Construction Policy Studies and for the successful candidate to develop specialist expertise and knowledge of construction policy, the structural characteristics of the industry and industry reform initiatives. Working within a small research team, the research is expected to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions regarding the development and implementation of policy, its evaluation and impact. The studentship will also be fundamental in exploring and explaining industry boundaries and to what extent construction policy reflects and reinforces the interests of powerful industry stakeholders and constituencies.

As part of a large, growing and supportive research community within the School, the successful candidate will also benefit from being a member of the University's Graduate School and their extensive skills training for research students. They will be joining a lively community of research students and staff, where doctoral students are given great academic and administrative support and are an integral part of the University's research culture and growing research reputation.

Funding and Eligibility

The studentship is open to any graduates with an interest in taking the opportunity to conduct research and develop expertise within policy studies and specifically Construction Policy. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience.

The studentship is for 3 years and covers fees and a tax-exempt stipend of £13,863 for the 2014/2015 academic year with cost of living adjustments in years 2 and 3. Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate.

How to Apply Applications will only be accepted with the relevant supporting documents (see how to apply) and should be made through Loughborough University’s Online Application Portal.

For an informal discussion about the studentship or eligibility to apply, contact Dr Scott Fernie or Professor Andy Dainty on 01509 223813 / 01509 228742. For enquiries about the application process, please email; pgr.civil<στο>lboro.ac.uk

If you are interested in this topic, you are encouraged to add to your application a 2-page proposal focussed on the direction you would take the studentship. This proposal should provide a rationale for the research proposed; outline some key literature highlighting potential research problems; a developed set of indicative research aims and objectives and; a proposed research methodology.