Eight studentships, which aim to find research-led solutions to solutions to major global problems are now open for application at University of the West of Scotland (UWS).  

The funded Vice-Chancellor Studentships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional students who are pursuing postgraduate research degrees. These studentships are designed to provide individuals with the financial support they need to undertake research projects that have the potential to make a significant impact in their field.

These highly selective studentships span the University’s four academic schools and are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

"I am incredibly proud to offer these fully-funded, cross-disciplinary studentships, which will provide invaluable opportunities for talented aspiring academics. The subject areas are fully aligned with the University’s vision to create better futures together and will further strengthen our international reputation in tackling global challenges describes in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

The scholarships include studies looking at the following subjects:

  • The Commonwealth Games 2026: Resetting the Narrative Towards Sustainability and Social Impact: This research will examine how major and mega-sporting events are evolving, focusing on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. As traditional hosting models face growing scrutiny, the study will explore how the Commonwealth Games Federation’s goal to “reset” the Games for greater sustainability and impact can be put into practice.
  • Stellar Quines and Intersectional Feminist Arts Praxis: Strategies for Arts Provision in Scotland’s Regions: This PhD project builds on existing UWS collaborations with Stellar Quines Theare Company to explore and document a key moment in the company’s development. It will critically examine their past work and plans for a new, community-led, intersectional feminist model for arts-based projects in specific Scottish areas. The research will contribute to understanding community, gender justice, and the evolving role of the arts in Scottish theatre.
  • Enabling British Sign Language (BSL) in Virtual Reality using Machine Learning: This project aims to leverage Virtual Reality and Machine Learning to enable British Sign Language communication within immersive virtual environments, tackling social isolation and enhancing communication accessibility for deaf people.
  • Empowering Future Industries: Enhancing Mission-Critical Communications with Next-Generation Networks: The project will explore how Next-Generation Networks like Beyond-5G and 6G can support secure, high-performance communication, especially in sectors like manufacturing, where speed and reliability are critical.
  • The changing landscape of third sector employment: longitudinal evidence from linked administrative data: This project will explore underemployment in the third sector, including the impact on the third sector’s workforce and on the delivery of critical services for disadvantaged communities.  
  • Building support for caring dyads: Complex communication deficits in older adults: This PhD project studies how ageing and dementia affect communication in older adults, aiming to improve caregiver interactions through better understanding of language use.
  • Nurturing the Implementation of the Coach’s Eye: the NICE project: Resistance training offers major health benefits, but current guidelines often ignore individual needs. This project explores a low-tech alternative to costly velocity-based training by using coaches’ observational skills to personalise workouts more accessibly.
  • The impact of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on mothers and their children: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe mood disorder characterised by debilitating psychological symptoms and suicidality. For mothers with PMDD, this disorder has a complex impact on parenting. The successful candidate will explore this important issue in the context of emerging Scottish policy pertaining to women’s health, early years and health inequalities.

Vice-Chancellor Studentships provide students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers on cutting-edge research projects. Utilising state-of-the-art facilities, students benefit by gaining valuable experience and develop skills that will be invaluable throughout their careers. 

Studentships also provide monetary support that can help to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with pursuing a postgraduate research degree.

Professor Miller continued: “Vice-Chancellor Studentships are a crucial investment in the future and enhance our diverse research portfolio. By supporting talented students and equipping them with the resources they need to pursue their passions, we can unlock groundbreaking discoveries, push the frontiers of knowledge, address societal challenges, and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”

The UWS Vice-Chancellor’s studentships were established in 2021, following the launch of the University’s ambitious Strategy 2025. 

To find out more about the new PhD studentships and apply, click here.