An exciting funded PhD opportunity arose for an outstanding graduate to work with researchers from the University of Manchester’ Faculty of Humanities as part of the Polarities and Regions Network Plus “Shifting Global Polarities: Russia, China, and Eurasia in Transition” (2024-2028). Awarded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of their Building a Secure and Resilient World strategic theme, the project aims to advance innovative new partnerships within academic and policy circles linked to a range of urgent thematic areas including social upheaval, geopolitics and security, environmental crisis, human rights, soft power and disinformation, Russia-China relations, and post-conflict reconstruction.This PhD scholarship relates to the area of either Soft Power and Disinformation or Opposition, Human Rights and Resistance in Exile. The successful candidate will develop their own research project under the guidance of their supervisory team from the School of Social Sciences and/or the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. The successful PhD scholar will be based at the University of Manchester whilst benefitting from being part of the wider £5M Birmingham-led network. This wider network includes the Universites of Manchester, Glasgow and Oxford, the Institute of Development Studies and Royal United Services Institute as well as international partners in the USA, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, Finland and Japan.The Manchester team and prospective supervisors include Dr. Elena Barabantseva, Dr. Marco Biasioli, Prof Stephen Hutchings, Dr. David Stroup, Prof. Hilary Pilkington, Dr. Ed Pulford, and Prof. Vera Tolz. The successful candidate’s main supervisor will be a member of the team. The applicants are encouraged to approach their preferred main PhD supervisor to discuss the proposed research proposal and a potential co-supervisor before submitting their application.Eligibility CriteriaAcademic and additional criteria:Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent).Master's degree in a relevant subject (indicative disciplines include but are not limited to Anthropology, Area Studies, History, International Relations, Security Studies, Sociology, Human Rights, Communication Studies, and Geography) with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent) Research competence in one or several languages spoken in Russia, former Soviet Republics, and China will be an advantage.In addition to the above, international applicants must provide one of the following:IELTS test minimum score - 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in other sections.TOEFL (internet-based) test minimum score - 100 overall, 25 in all sections.Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score - 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.You have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English-speaking nation within the last 5 years.Other tests may be considered.The application deadline will be Midnight (BST) on 19/08/2024. All supporting documents must be received by the deadline and sent as a zip file to [email protected], using ‘Shifting Global Polarities Elena Barabantseva' as the email subject. Application procedureThe application must include:An up-to-date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information.A copy of your Bachelor’s and Master’s academic transcript and degree certificate. If your Master’s degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.A 1,500-word PhD research proposal. Please state the word count on page 1 of the document.A cover letter of a maximum of 500 words indicating why you would like to undertake this studentship and explaining how your focus, experience, and skills link to the research outlined above.Example of a piece of academic writing produced by you of up to 3,000 words (you may consider submitting two shorter pieces if these deal separately with conceptual and empirical analyses). This may be an academic essay or chapter(s) from a dissertation, in which case, an abstract or introduction outlining the context/aims/research questions of the study must also be included.Names and contact details of two academic referees who can comment on your suitability for PhD study and to undertake the advertised project.Further informationIf you have any questions about the project or would like to discuss this further, please contact Dr Elena Barabantseva ([email protected]).Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.