Applications are invited for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD scholarships in the Sheffield Business School, commencing 1 October 2025.

The GTA scholarship scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers with further information on the University’s PhD scholarships available in the Conditions of Award document.

Sheffield Business School

Accredited by AASCB, the Business School is among the top 6% of business schools globally. Our ambition is to be a world leading applied business school. We are proud of our research impact, industry collaboration and commitment to regional development through Sheffield Hallam University's Civic University Agreement . You can learn more about research in the Business School here .

Project: FIN SAFE: Fintech Innovation for Stability, Accessibility, and Financial Efficiency

Financial technology (Fintech) is transforming the global financial landscape, introducing innovative tools and platforms that promise to enhance efficiency, expand access, and strengthen the resilience of financial systems. However, these advancements are not without risks. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of global economies, highlighting the urgent need for adaptable and robust financial systems. While Fintech holds significant potential to drive recovery and mitigate systemic risks, its rapid adoption has also created challenges, such as regulatory gaps, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the proliferation of exploitative practices. For instance, digital lending platforms offering predatory “shark loans” have trapped many informal sector users in cycles of unsustainable debt, particularly in developing economies.

This proposed PhD project critically investigates the dual role of Fintech in promoting financial stability and resilience while addressing its potential to introduce new vulnerabilities. It seeks to explore how Fintech innovations interact with traditional financial systems, their impact on macroeconomic stability, and the balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding economic security. By examining these pressing issues, this research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders striving to create a more inclusive and secure global financial ecosystem.

At its core, this PhD project seeks to address the following key questions:

1.    How does Fintech-driven access to financial services impact economic resilience and stability across socio-economic groups and regions, especially in developing nations?

2.    In what ways can destabilising risks precipitated by fintech innovations be identified, understood and controlled?

It is expected that the research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of large-scale financial and economic datasets with qualitative insights from interviews and policy reviews. The outcomes of this project aim to both inform academic scholarship and influence policy and practice, providing pathways for countries to harness the potential of Fintech for sustainable and stable economic growth. By producing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, this PhD research would foster an evidence-based approach to leveraging Fintech for sustainable economic development.

The ideal candidate should possess a strong academic background in Finance or a related discipline and have knowledge of Fintech innovations and their societal impact. A good understanding of financial systems, technological trends and quantitative/qualitative methods is desirable.

Supervisors: Dr Dewan Muktadir-Al-Mukit (Lead), Professor Seun Kolade

If you are interested in this project, and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact Dr Dewan Muktadir-Al-Mukit ( [email protected] ).

GTA scholarships are open to Home, EU and International applicants . The scholarship is for three and a half years full-time study (pro-rata part-time) and covers PhD fees and pays an annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate of £20,974 per year in 2024/25.

To apply you need to meet our entry requirements and provide:

·      A complete online application form for the October 2025 intake, available here . This includes:

· A research proposal . Maximum word count: 1,500 words.

· A personal statement . We want to learn more about you. In the personal statement you must answer these four questions. Please include the title of the project you are applying for in the Personal Statement section of the application form. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question and including specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional):

1.    What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project?

2.    How did you come up with your project proposal?

3.    What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you?

4.    Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences.

· Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts (All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 minimum) and/or a relevant master’s qualification (merit minimum)).

· Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.

· Copies of your passport and any relevant visas.

International Students

International students* will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through:

1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date; or

2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit minimum) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.

* UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you're a national of one of these countries, you won't need to provide evidence as listed above.

For further information regarding our entry requirements, please visit the course page .

Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University, whilst in receipt of the scholarship.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon (BST) on Wednesday 23 ^rd April 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 2 ^nd June.

Please e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions.