Self-Funded PhD Research Project
Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health / GSBS
Project Reference Number: Added by Research Administrators
Project Title: Social Enterprise and Well-being
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, Sociology, Public Health, Social Innovation
Research Theme(s)
 Inclusive Societies – Social Innovation
 Inclusive Societies –Equalities and Justice
 Healthy Lives – Public Health
Research Supervisor Contact
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details on the proposed
research project area.
 Michael Roy , Michael.roy@gcu.ac.uk , Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health / Glasgow School
for Business and Society ,
 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
We know that socio-economic status and general life circumstances can greatly influence the health
and well-being of individuals, communities and populations, but despite world class health services,
and public health practice, in countries such as the UK, health inequalities are both persistent and
widening. New solutions and new ways of thinking are constantly being sought in respect of this
societal challenge and it is considered that community-led activity, acting alongside more formal
public and private sectors, offers great potential in this regard.
However, while there is growing (but still limited) evidence of the effectiveness of Third Sector
organisations, such as social enterprises, on addressing the symptoms of poverty and social
vulnerability on the lives of individuals and communities at the local level, there is much less evidence
on how such organisations can impact upon those ‘upstream’ causes of ill health at the meso and
macro levels, and thus helping to protect people from getting ill in the first place. We are therefore
keen to hear from people interested in undertaking doctoral research on these broad topics, with a
specific interest and/or expertise in social enterprise and social entrepreneurship, and we 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 these academic staff and be part of a thriving cohort of doctoral students
studying in similar areas.
Version3.0Apr15
Mode(s) of Study
Delete as applicable:
This project is available as a:
 PhD: 3 years full-time
 PhD: 4.5 years part-time
 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 the research supervisor contact for the project 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:



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/
Version3.0Apr15