Self-Funded PhD Research Project
Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health / GSBS
Project Reference Number: Added by Research Administrators
Project Title: Social Innovation and Welfare Policy
Self-funded research applications are invited for the following PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian
University. Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the successful
candidate will be required to source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses
while studying at the university.
Research Discipline areas
Social Policy, Public Administration, Social Innovation
Research Theme(s)
 Inclusive Societies – Social Innovation
 Inclusive Societies –Equalities and Justice
Research Supervisor Contact
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details on the proposed
research project area.
 Dr Simone Baglioni. Simone.baglioni@gcu.ac.uk , Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health /
Glasgow School for Business and Society https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/staff/drsimonebaglioni/
 Dr Stephen Sinclair, Stephen.sinclair@gcu.ac.uk , Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health /
Glasgow School for Business and Society https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/staff/drstephensinclair/
 Professor Simon Teasdale, simon.teasdale@gcu.ac.uk , Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health /
Glasgow School for Business and Society
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/yunuscentre/theteam/academicresearchstaff/simonteasdale/
Research Project Summary
Political parties of both left and right across the Developed World have accepted a paradigm whereby
continued expansion of welfare states is deemed unaffordable and undesirable. One prominent strand of
social innovation discourse proclaims that governments need to work more closely with civil society and
businesses to develop new solutions to social problems. In many countries new hybrid structures are
being put in place to facilitate this process.
We need a greater understanding of the different ways in which new inter-sectoral relationships are
being developed; how new ideas are generated; whether and how such ideas are implemented; whether
and how such initiatives actually work, and how promising social innovations can be transferred from
geographic space to another.
We welcome applications to undertake doctoral research into any of these broad areas and can offer
academic support to candidates from a variety of academic disciplines. The Yunus Centre for Social
Business and Health is an interdisciplinary research centre, home to researchers from disciplines
including economics, geography, politics, sociology and social policy. Our academics have expertise in a
wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods. PhD students will work alongside academic
staff and be part of a thriving cohort of doctoral students studying in similar areas.
Mode(s) of Study
Delete as applicable:
This project is available as a:
 PhD: 3 years full-time
 PhD: 4.5 years part-time
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1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time or 2 years part-time] + PhD as above
Institute/Research Groups (if applicable)
Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health
APPLICATION DETAILS
Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Master’s degree in a subject
relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research
experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent)
with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
Specific requirements of the project (if applicable):
How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact potential research supervisors to discuss their research interests
before applying.
Applicants should complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/) stating the project title and reference
number and attaching a research proposal.
The form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references
and any other relevant documentation to: researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk. Applicants shortlisted for a
PhD will be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadlines
The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application
deadlines for 2015-16 are as follows:
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October 2015 Start - 30 June 2015
February 2016 Start - 1 December 2015
May 2016 Start - 1 March 2016
Research Degree Fees
Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/feesfinance/researchfees/
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