Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship, supported by the College of Business and Social Sciences to be undertaken within the Department of Politics, History and International Relations at Aston University. The position is available to start in January 2025.Financial SupportThis studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the home or overseas fees rate, plus a maintenance allowance of £19,237 per year for the full 3 year programme.  Background to the ProjectThis project examines the experiences of Muslim women in British electoral politics at the national, the regional and the local level. Minority political participation is often taken as a hallmark of their integration in society. Whilst there is research on Muslim political participation in Europe, less is known about the political engagement of Muslim women. The research is interested in why these women aspire for political office, how they negotiate their Muslim identities and personal biographies in political campaigning and what kind of disabling and enabling factors they encounter when running for office.The project will undertake a systematic analysis by focusing on a section of the Muslim community (politically engaged women) who are usually absent from scholarship and public debate around Muslim communities. It will contribute empirically informed theoretical insights to a pressing issue in many Western European societies: the political integration of Muslim minorities.Person SpecificationThe successful candidate should hold a Masters degree in the social sciences (or related disciplines) with a Merit overall (or equivalent) with a dissertation/research element, PLUS a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution). Contact informationFor formal enquiries about this project please contact Dr Parveen Akhtar [email protected] an applicationYour application must include: English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.A Research Proposal Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.Apply for this position here