Four Year PhD in Sustainable Food Systems

At a glance

• Value: The scholarship will cover fees (EU/non-EU) and a monthly stipend (€2,083) for 4-years.
• The scholarship is intended to promote sustainability by engaging in research into the consumer, shopper or retail domains of contemporary food systems.
•  Questions about this scholarship can be directed to Dr. Alan Collins at a.collins@ucc.ie or Niamh Kiely at N.Kiely@ucc.ie

The Department of Food Business and Development periodically offers PhD Scholarships which are open to both Home/EU and international students. This four-year PhD scholarship will cover fees (EU/non-EU) and a monthly stipend (€2,083) and is intended to promote research into the consumer, shopper or retail domains of contemporary food systems.

Candidates with a strong academic track record (first or second class honours grade 1) in a relevant primary degree or masters degree (e.g. consumer behaviour, management, marketing, applied psychology, or sociology,) are invited to apply.

All applicants must meet the entry threshold and other requirements for the PhD, including the minimum English language entry requirements. 

Once registered, the recipient is expected to actively contribute to the progression of the project and their professional development by engaging in scholarly activities. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday June 19^th. 

Applicants will be asked to submit:

1.    A completed application form (Application form) . Please note that applicants are required to tick the popup box when uploading documents to provide administrator access to download their documents.
      CV (max. 2 pages)
   3.    Details on previous research modules undertaken, if any, and related grades.
   4.    Evidence of satisfying the English language requirements (if English not first language).
   5.    The contact details of two academic referees.
   6.    A 500 word research proposal relating to into the consumer, shopper or retail domains of contemporary food systems. Your proposal should include the research question, a short literature review and proposed research methodology. 
   7.     A short personal statement on the applicant’s personal development objectives and motivation for pursuing a PhD.

Applications for the Scholarship will be reviewed by the Head of Department (The Department of Food Business and Development ) or nominee. 

A shortlist of candidates will be drawn up following the closing date for applications. Those shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview and will be required to submit a 5-minute video on their research proposal in advance.

The interview panel will be comprised of two members of the Department of Food Business and Development  and one member from the Department of Management and Marketing. The member of the Department of Management and Marketing will be invited by the Head of Department (The Department of Food Business and Development ) in consultation with the Head of Department Management and Marketing. Decisions of the Head of the Dept of the Department of Food Business and Development on the selection, interview and awarding process is final.

The successful scholarship awardee will then have to submit a formal application through the University application system.