POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

Project Title: Enhancing local community partnerships

Community development in Ireland seeks to stimulate and inform our communities and broaden sustainable community development activity. This study will assess the interplay between state and community in the achievement of sustainable development goals by examining the relationships between community stakeholders and development organisations. In collaboration with Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), a flexible 12-week secondment with CLDC which will involve both an online and face-to-face experience, presents an excellent opportunity for the researcher to familiarise themselves with and engage in community development and volunteering.

Using a community agency case study approach this study will explore experiences of professional and paid community development agencies in their management of sustainable community relationships. The key aims of this research will involve assessing the challenges and opportunities facing the community development agency and volunteer partnership in positively impacting sustainable community participation, empowerment, and resilience in Ireland. Additionally impact measurement tools will be developed and implemented to evaluate the contribution of the community development agency and volunteers in the delivery of community development activities / initiatives within various geographical contexts.

Duration of Project: 48 months

Funding Agency: TUS RISE Scholarship comprises a postgraduate fee waiver for the duration of the award only.

Type of Degree Offered: Masters Tracking PhD/PhD

Minimum Qualifications/Experience Necessary/Any Other Requirements:
The candidates must have a primary degree in a field related to social science disciplines including but not limited to community development, social care, business, tourism, event management, communications, and marketing. Applicants from other discipline areas may also be considered.

This opportunity is open to candidates within and beyond TUS. The location for the research will primarily be based in TUS Midwest and will include a 12-week secondment over the duration of the study period. A portion of this secondment will involve face to face participation with CLDC and their stakeholders based in County Clare.

Minimum classification of 2.1 honours or equivalent.

IELTS [International English Testing System] Applicants must have a minimum of 6.0 with no component score less than 6.0.

Project Lead Supervisor: Dr. Catriona Murphy

For further information, please contact: Catriona.murphy@tus.ie

Closing date for receipt of completed application form is 5pm on Wednesday, July 12th 2024. 

Download TUS RISE application form here:  https://tus.ie/rdi/research/office/funded-research/

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