Self-Funded PhD Research Project
GSBS: Department of Social Science, Media and
Journalism
Project Reference Number: GSBS2015002
Project Title: Welfare Reform and Scottish Constitutional Change
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, Politics, Public Administration
Research Theme(s)
 Inclusive Societies
 Social Innovation & Equalities and Justice
Research Supervisor Contact
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researcher for further details on the proposed
research project area.
 Dr Stephen Sinclair - Stephen.sinclair@gcu.ac.uk Reader in Social Policy, Yunus Centre for Social
Business and Health, Glasgow School for Business and Society
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/staff/drstephensinclair/
 Professor Duncan McTavish - d.mctavish@gcu.ac.uk Professor of Public Policy and Management,
Glasgow School for Business and Society https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/staff/professorduncanmctavish/
 Dr John H. McKendrick - j.mckendrick@gcu.ac.uk Senior Lecturer, Glasgow School for Business and
Society - https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/staff/drjohnhollandmckendrick/
Research Project Summary
Two simultaneous changes are currently having a significant impact on the welfare of people in Scotland:
the UK government in undertaking an ambitious programme of welfare reform which includes reducing
some entitlements and expenditure while increasing conditionality. At the same time, new powers are
being transferred to the Scottish Government, including additional responsibility for areas of welfare
policy. These developments offer a unique opportunity to examine processes of simultaneous
constitutional and welfare reform in action. The PhD project will examine the interplay between these
developments and assess how far welfare policies and citizenship rights are diverging within the UK, or
whether there remains a shared UK-wide social citizenship.
The PhD project will analyse the following issues:
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locate this critical policy juncture in the historical, constitutional, institutional and political contexts
of Scotland and the UK to better estimate its significance
assess the extent to which distinctive Scottish approaches are supported or limited by the
additional devolved powers, and the degree of path departure / continuity in Scotland relative to
the UK welfare state
examine the relative significance of political, economic / financial and institutional factors in
shaping policy deliberations, proposals and outcomes
compare developments in Scotland to other devolved and subnational approaches to welfare
provision
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In particular, the project will assess the influence of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the development
of Scottish welfare policy by exploring the role of campaigning organisations, community groups and
third sector bodies in political and policy debates. The PhD researcher will work with anti-poverty
campaigning organisations to analyse how they contribute to debates and the policy making process. This
will improve understanding of the impact of such stakeholders and contribute to improving the
knowledge exchange and impact of CSOs in the future.
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)
GCU Institute for Society and Social Justice Research
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.
Specific requirements of the project (if applicable):
Applications are encouraged from candidates with a background in a relevant social science, e.g. Social
Policy, Politics, Sociology, History or Geography.
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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