Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD Studentship – Communications, Cultural and Media Studies

Graduate School

A fantastic opportunity to study for a 3-year funded doctorate whilst gaining valuable teaching experience.

About the Research Project

Click to learn more about the research themes of this project.

Please direct any questions about the project to the named contact on the above linked webpage in advance of submitting your application.

To apply for this research project, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click the ‘apply’ button. Contactsrpshelpdesk@edgehill.ac.ukif you have difficulty accessing the form.

About You

You will have a 2.1 or above undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, whilst a Masters degree would also be an advantage. You should have a passion for pursuing original research in your subject area along with the desire to develop your teaching ability by supporting an experienced and dynamic undergraduate programme team.

Highly motivated, resilient and with the determination to succeed, you will be committed to undertaking a PhD and will possess strong written and oral communication skills along with excellent organisational skills.

Please note:

• If you already have a PhD in the research area you are applying for, your application will not normally be considered unless submitted for a suitably different research area.
• Applicants who have applied more than two times previously should not normally apply again with the same research project.

About the Graduate Teaching Assistant Role

Graduate Teaching Assistants hold a unique position in the University, being both registered postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and carrying out teaching/teaching support duties.

PGRs will be expected to:

• Complete a programme of researcher development sessions.
• Undertake tailored continuing researcher development.
• Complete a programme of training in teaching in Higher Education.
• Complete a PhD programme of research under the guidance of an appointed supervisory team.
• Undertake up to six hours teaching a week as directed by the Head of Department.
• Undertake up to nine hours per week of marking and preparation.
• Enhance the research culture of the department in which they are located, and of the University as a whole, by participating in development activities including publication and presenting at conferences.

Rewards & Benefits

We want you to feel happy when you come to work and proud when you go home. From the moment you join us you have the opportunity to enhance your skills. In addition to having the opportunity to enrol on our Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (PGCTHE) to support your professional development, we offer a range of specialist development sessions and courses. In addition to the wide range of development opportunities available, the University has a strong focus on the wellbeing of its staff. You will have access to an award-winning staff health & wellbeing programme, benefit from discounted membership to our state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities and so much more. This is just a taste of what we can offer you at Edge Hill University.

Each GTA studentship includes a ‘package’ with a total value just over £25,000 per annum for UK based applicants and over £34,000 for international applicants per annum. This includes:

• Overall payment of £18,622 per annum which is aligned with the UKRI rate. This is split into a salary of £13,122 per annum and £5,500 per annum tax free to contribute to the cost of accommodation
• Full waiver of research degree tuition fees worth approximately £4,700 per annum for UK PGRs and £14,000 per annum for international PGRs
• Full waiver of the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education tuition fee (worth approximately £1740)
• Entitlement to sick pay, maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave, in accordance with University policies and procedures.

Applicant Guidance

• Applicant guidancecan be found here. Please read this before applying.
• Project contact: Staff contacts for each research area can be found here (please refer to the "research opportunities by subject" section on the webpage). You are strongly encouraged to speak with them about the area you are interested in, in order to identify a prospective supervisorin advance of applying.
• Job description and person specification: You should read the job description and person specification carefully. This document can be found at the bottom of this page.
• Online GTA information eveningsare being held on Thursday, 14 December and Wednesday, 20 December between 5:00pm and 6:00pm [GMT]. Please select a date below to view event information and book onto a session.
  • Thursday 14 December 2023. 5:00pm – 6:30pm.
  • Wednesday 20 December 2023. 5:00pm – 6:30pm.

How to Apply

The Graduate School at Edge Hill University is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, an aspect of which includes a dedicated Reasonable Adjustment Panel. If you require support due to any form of disability, please get in touch so that we can offer appropriate advice and signposting.

Applicants must complete the online application form via www.edgehill.ac.uk/jobs and attach 5 separate documents in the following order:

• A ‘Research Proposal’ which should not exceed 2,000 words
• A completed budget sheet (see application guidance for further support)
• A full academic curriculum vitae
• Qualification certificates - please ensure these are translated into English
• Scanned copy of your passport

If you are an international and EU applicant please also upload as a 6th document:

• IELTs, or equivalent, paperwork – click here for detailed guidance

Applications without the above paperwork will not be considered for shortlisting.

• It is very important you review the guidance and seek clarification regarding this paperwork before applying if you have any questions. Please send clarification questions to graduateschooladmissions@edgehill.ac.uk.
• Letters of recommendation, or requests to waive the language entry requirements, will not be accepted.

To apply for this research area, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the ‘apply’ button.

Interview Arrangements

Interviews are expected to be held between Monday 25th February and Friday 22nd March 2024. The exact date will be confirmed in due course. Panel availability is limited. Shortlisted candidates will be offered one interview slot only.

Project Information is available alongside the job description above.

Key Contacts

Please think about the support you need and contact one of the areas directly.

• Research project and supervision questions: see the details under ‘about the research project’ to speak with the research degree contact responsible for your area of interest
• Application form and employment questions: please contact srpshelpdesk@edgehill.ac.uk
• PhD registration and qualification questions: please contact graduateschooladmissions@edgehill.ac.uk

Staff availability

Please note that the university is closed from the evening of the 21st December 2023 until the morning of the 2nd January 2024. Staff will respond to you upon their return. It is highly advised that you speak with staff at the earliest opportunity to avoid encountering any delays due to the scheduled break.