ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: How can private schools in India provide inclusive education to disadvantaged and marginalized children?

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 14 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the University of Warwick, Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham.

The University of Birmingham as part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Save the Children to commence in October 2020.

This exciting new project builds on existing collaborative research and policy work between the University of Birmingham’s School of Education and Save the Children. Research undertaken within the School of Education has informed Save the Children’s Global Policy Position on User Fees in Education and Private Schools (2016), and ongoing research is informing the implementation of this global policy at the local level.

In the Indian context, little is known about how private schools attempt to include disadvantaged and marginalized children under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Through case study and participatory action research, this project will investigate how inclusion is practised and experienced in such non-state school settings. This will involve generating new knowledge and approaches to how we think about inclusion in non-state schools in relation to multiple forms of disadvantage. The project’s findings will support Save the Children’s policy and advocacy work in both non-state provision and inclusive quality education and has potential for wider policy impacts.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly-motivated and self-driven individual to collaborate with experienced researchers at the University of Birmingham’s School of Education and Save the Children on a funded PhD.

Applicants must have a minimum of a good undergraduate degree (2.1 or higher) in a relevant subject, such as education and/or international development and we welcome applicants with a higher degree in a relevant discipline. Social research training is desirable but not essential as this can be provided as part of the studentship. The award may be made on a 1+3/3.5/+3 basis dependent on prior education and research methods training. We encourage applicants with relevant work or volunteering experience; please include details of these in your personal statement.  Applicants must be willing and able to spend extended periods of time in India in a range of locations (urban, peri-urban, rural) supported by Save the Children and in the London office.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online here and email this along with a CV and covering letter to Gemma Braidley, email: pgreducation-enquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide two references.

Application deadline: Monday 2^nd March 2020

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

ESRC studentships cover fees and maintenance stipend and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available only to successful applicants who fulfil eligibility criteria. To check your eligibility, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/

Informal enquiries about the research prior to application can be directed to Dr Laura Day Ashley and Dr Paul Lynch.