Biodiversity loss is inextricably linked to declining human-nature “connectedness”, particularly in terms of how people form attitudes and beliefs about the natural world. Anthropomorphism, or attributing human-like qualities to non-human beings, is an increasingly common conservation strategy to encourage human connectedness to wildlife, but such strategies may also contribute to species’ persecution (e.g., “bold” and “cunning” predators). The public often ascribes psychological abilities to wildlife, but there have been limited efforts to link public wildlife attitudes to actual animal psychology research. To this end, the selected PhD candidate will conduct research on terrestrial carnivores and sharks, i.e., two groups of animals with a long and complicated history of human persecution, to test whether psychological information about them can offer a useful and unique platform for generating greater public awareness and engagement with the biodiversity crisis, both on land and in the sea. This project will be part of a larger research cluster on ocean literacy (see ‘About the research cluster’).
The PI for this particular PhD project is Dr Blake Morton, and the selected candidate will join Dr Morton’s ongoing research programme, The British Carnivore Project, which will form the basis of the PhD.
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Blake Morton.
About the research cluster
Our oceans are in crisis. While there is a growing understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems for society, pressures from human activities on these ecosystems are increasing. All citizens are connected (directly or indirectly) to the oceans, and against this backdrop, the “Ocean Literacy” movement is now a global priority. Enhancing awareness of the importance of the oceans, human-ocean interactions, and how we as individuals and collectively can reduce human impacts on marine ecosystems is central to global Ocean Literacy. However, Ocean Literacy is a complex, multi-dimensional concept. The Ocean Literacy research cluster at the University of Hull is a multidisciplinary team of researchers across marine biology, geography, psychology and education, working with diverse stakeholders to collectively understand how to engage different communities with and enhance Ocean Literacy.
Our four PhD studentships focus on understanding i) the cultural, historical and place-based context of Ocean Literacy, ii) which instruments are most effective for enhancing Ocean Literacy in order to affect attitude and behaviour change adapted for different communities and, iii) how to engage broader communities, amplifying voices from across various geographical and socio-cultural contexts.
How to apply
You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position. Find out more about writing a personal statement.
Please also ensure you include the following information:What motivates you to pursue PhD study
Why you are interested in this project
How your skill set matches the requirements for your choice of project and/or any additional training you will need
The wider significance of research in this area and potential future research directions for the project.
Apply for the scholarship:
Closing date for applications
15 February 2024
Scholarship commences
September 2024
Supervisors
Dr Blake Morton
Dr Charlotte Hopkins
Dr Neil Burns (Scotland’s Rural College)
About Postgraduate Research at Hull
See all PhD Scholarships at Hull
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant/stipend for three years (full-time) or six years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 23/24 is £4,712 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £18,622 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.
If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or seventh year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.
The length of part-time study at Hull is planned to change from September 2024, subject to approval. This means your programme may be structured as follows: six years of research (for which you receive a stipend and a fee waiver) plus up to 20 months for the unfunded thesis finalisation / writing-up stage if needed. By applying for this scholarship on a part-time basis, you understand that the University may change your programme structure and length and you understand that, should you receive an offer of a place to study and an offer of scholarship, your offer letter may be changed, subject to approval of the new part-time programme length.
Entry requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic student with the following general qualities:background in psychology or related discipline (e.g., animal behaviour)
experience conducting fieldwork with wild animals (e.g., trail cameras) and/or using social science techniques (e.g., questionnaires/interviews)
a valid UK/EU driving license
a vehicle for driving on countryside roads
a proficiency, or willingness to become proficient, in data analysis using R.
Since you will be using a combination of surveys and experimental methods to study the underlying drivers of human perception of terrestrial carnivores and marine animals, experience in public perceptions research will be advantageous (but not required as we will train you).
Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in Psychology, Animal Behaviour or a related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research in a relevant subject would be an advantage.
For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.
This scholarship is available for full-time and part-time study.
International applicants
This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.
Submission of thesis
Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years, which is the end of the funded research period of the scholarship for full time and within six years if studying part-time. However, there is a permitted thesis finalisation period which is unfunded.
Research training
As a PhD student at the University of Hull, you will undertake the Postgraduate Training Scheme alongside your main degree, to help you develop the research skills and knowledge you will need in your future career. You will gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Research Training in addition to your PhD.
If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or seventh year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.
The length of part-time study at Hull is planned to change from September 2024, subject to approval. This means your programme may be structured as follows: six years of research (for which you receive a stipend and a fee waiver) plus up to 20 months for the unfunded thesis finalisation / writing-up stage if needed. By applying for this scholarship on a part-time basis, you understand that the University may change your programme structure and length and you understand that, should you receive an offer of a place to study and an offer of scholarship, your offer letter may be changed, subject to approval of the new part-time programme length.
Entry requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic student with the following general qualities:background in psychology or related discipline (e.g., animal behaviour)
experience conducting fieldwork with wild animals (e.g., trail cameras) and/or using social science techniques (e.g., questionnaires/interviews)
a valid UK/EU driving license
a vehicle for driving on countryside roads
a proficiency, or willingness to become proficient, in data analysis using R.
Since you will be using a combination of surveys and experimental methods to study the underlying drivers of human perception of terrestrial carnivores and marine animals, experience in public perceptions research will be advantageous (but not required as we will train you).
Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in Psychology, Animal Behaviour or a related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research in a relevant subject would be an advantage.
For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.
This scholarship is available for full-time and part-time study.
International applicants
This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.
Submission of thesis
Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years, which is the end of the funded research period of the scholarship for full time and within six years if studying part-time. However, there is a permitted thesis finalisation period which is unfunded.
Research training
As a PhD student at the University of Hull, you will undertake the Postgraduate Training Scheme alongside your main degree, to help you develop the research skills and knowledge you will need in your future career. You will gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Research Training in addition to your PhD.
