Rhodes University Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral Scholarships
Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral Scholarships in the Scholarship of Engagement – Epistemic Justice and Transformation in the Context of Community Engaged Activities in Higher Education
Community Engagement Division, Rhodes University
Applications are invited for Masters and Doctoral scholarships, as well as Postdoctoral Fellowships, in the emerging discipline of the scholarship of engagement for students to join a transdisciplinary research project on Epistemic Justice and Transformation in the Context of Community Engaged Activities in Higher Education. Using theoretical investigations as well as quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, this project seeks to explore a philosophical grounding for the role of community engagement in higher education which hinges on the epistemological shifts which are made possible through community engagement activities.
The main research question to be addressed in this project is: can a philosophical grounding for the role of community engagement in higher education be built on the foundation of the role community engagement activities play in the epistemological transformation of higher education? What needs to be investigated is whether and how community engagement activities achieve their purported aims of ameliorating epistemic injustices for staff, students and community partners. Further, what needs to be investigated are the barriers to epistemic transformation which could be achieved through community engagement in all three target groups such that the moral and political transformational imperatives could be met through such activities.
Successful candidates for degrees will register for a full time masters or doctoral degree by thesis under the supervision by Dr. S.A Paphitis, with a co-supervisor from their chosen disciplinary field of study in consultation with Dr. Paphitis. Successful postdoctoral fellows will work alongside the team as researchers and advisors in the project.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic excellence with a strong record, a minimum of 65% or above in previous degrees.
- An interest in higher education transformation and the scholarship of engagement.
- The ability to work well in a research team environment.
- Willingness to work in a transdisciplinary research environment.
- Willingness to work in mutually beneficial ways with community partners.
- Willingness to present research findings at conferences.
- Willingness to learn new research methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
- Ability to be registered as a full time student on campus at Rhodes University for the duration of the degree.
- Post-doctoral fellows must have completed their PhD no more than 5 years prior to application.
Awards:
Masters scholarships will be awarded at R80 000 per annum for 2 years (pending students’ progress), Doctoral scholarships will be awarded at R100 000 per annum for 3 years (pending students’ progress), and Postdoctoral Fellowships will be awarded at R190 000 per annum (renewable for 3 years).
Funding is available for one local conference for each Masters and doctoral student as well as post-doctoral fellows, and one international conference for each doctoral student and postdoctoral fellow.
Application Process:
Applications should include the following:
- Most up to date CV with your contact details and Identification/passport number.
- Full academic record.
- Name and contact details of 2 academic referees.
- A sample of your writing (essay, article, chapter).
- A statement about why you would like to join the project and your potential area of research (1-2 pages).
All documents should be emailed to Dr. S.A. Paphitis at s.paphitis@ru.ac.za by the 17th of October at 5pm.
For more information about the project and scholarships please email s.paphitis@ru.ac.za, pre-application consultation is encouraged.
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