PhD Studentship in Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Work: Exploring Legal and HR Blind Spots UWE, Bristol in United Kingdom

[Fully funded studentship for 3 years from 1 October 2026, including a tax-exempt stipend of £21,805 per annum and full-time home/international fees.]

UWE Bristol’s College of Business and Law is inviting applications for a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD studentship on sexual harassment and sexual assault at work: exploring legal and HR blind spots. The project examines how workplace sexual harassment is often treated as an employment or HR issue even when the conduct may amount to sexual assault, and how this shapes complaint handling, safeguarding, sanctions, and support for survivors.

The studentship is based in the University of the West of England, Bristol, and is especially well suited to applicants interested in the intersection of employment law, criminal law, HR policy, and gender-based violence. The research brief encourages proposals on workplace gender-based violence, with methods that may include documentary analysis of court reports, police reports, and workplace policies, alongside interviews with HR managers, trade union representatives, and possibly survivors. A UK focus is expected, though comparative perspectives are welcome.

Funding is fully provided for 3 years from 1 October 2026, subject to satisfactory progress. The award includes a tax-exempt stipend of £21,805 per annum plus full-time home/international fees.

Eligibility: applicants should normally hold at least a 2.1 degree in human resources management, criminal/employment law, criminology, or a cognate discipline, and preferably also a Master’s degree with an average mark of at least 65% (or international equivalent). A recognised English language qualification is required, with IELTS 7.0 overall or equivalent.

Application: prepare a research proposal of up to 5 pages (including context/rationale, literature review, research questions, methodology, and expected contribution). The proposal should be developed in consultation with the potential supervisor, and you are asked to contact the supervisor with an advanced draft before applying. Submit your application online via the UWE Bristol postgraduate research portal, quoting reference number 2627-OCT-CBL02, and upload your proposal, degree certificates, transcripts, proof of English, and referee details. Two referees are required, including at least one academic referee from the institution that awarded your highest degree.

Deadline: applications close on 16 August 2026 (the advert also notes 9 August 2026, 6pm UK in the detailed guidance; applicants should verify the portal deadline and apply early). Interviews are expected to take place online in late August.