Doctoral Studentship (PhD)

Doctoral Studentship (PhD) 

Application Closing Date: 7 June 2019 

Proposed start date: 1 October 2019

Location:  Hartpury University, Gloucestershire.

Stipend: £13,000 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time (3 years)

Area of Research: 
Evaluating musical performance and coordination using interaction data in participants with autistic spectrum disorder 
The aim of this studentship is to investigate the effects of musical practice on brain development, through the development of analytical tools and performance metrics for musical practice, supporting comparisons with biomedical data. Research will specifically focus on drumming performance in children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), using existing performance (MIDI) data sets collected from children learning to drum, analysed against pre and post MRI data collected before and after the drumming intervention.  The successful candidate will extend this research to design and implement new techniques and technologies for evaluating and supporting musical practice and development for individuals with ASD, dementia and dyspraxia. Applicants should be comfortable handling and analysing digital data, and have a background in computing and music technology.

For more information and for an initial discussion please contact Prof Steve Draper stephen.draper@hartpury.ac.uk 

Description of studentship: 

Hartpury is pleased to be offering three fully funded studentship to start on 1 October 2019.  This studentship will be based in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences at Hartpury University. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to become part of new Postgraduate Community in an idyllic rural setting, with world leading facilities undertaking impactful and cutting-edge practice-based and industry related research.  University of the West of England is the awarding body for this degree. 

Studentships comprise tuition fees at home / EU rates and a stipend of GBP 13k per year tenable for 3 years. Alongside their research projects, successful candidates will be asked (as a condition of their stipend) to deliver up to 7 hours per week teaching or research support within the department in which the PhD is hosted.   

PhD Studentship Selection Criteria:

The following criteria will be taken into account when considering applications:

• The strength of your professional and academic profile, as demonstrated through previous study and/or professional experience
• The quality, invention and viability of ideas relating to the research project you are applying for
• The contribution you are able to make to the Hartpury research community and your host department, in terms of both research and teaching

Candidates should also be aware of the following:

The normal expectation is that applicants will hold at least a 2:1 or a Masters qualification from a UK university or a degree of comparable standing from a university outside the UK. The candidate’s degree relevant to the studentship should demonstrate their potential for practice-led research or alternative evidence of research aptitude. 

Applicants whose first language is not English require a recognised English language qualification. The minimum entry requirement is GCSE English at grade C or above or IELTS score 7.0 or TOEFL score 600 (or demonstrable equivalent). 

Applying for a PhD studentship
To apply for a PhD studentship you must send the following documents to Human.Resources@hartpury.ac.uk: 

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the studentship
• A recent piece of critical writing you have completed (max 3000 words)
• If English is not your first language, certification of English language qualification  

Applications that do not arrive by Midnight (UK time) on Friday 7 June will not be considered.

If your application is selected. You will be invited for interview on Wednesday 19 June.  All applicants must ensure their availability on this date. 

Key dates

7 June 2019: Deadline for submission of applications
14 June 2019: Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates*
19 June 2019: Interviews at Hartpury
28 June 2019: Studentships announced
5 July 2019: Deadline for accepting studentship
1 October 2019: Studentship begins  

* Please note that by submitting an application you are confirming your availability to interview on 19 June 2019.  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.    

Hartpury values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.