Sheffield Hallam University - Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Scholarship in the Sheffield Business School: An exploration of the travel experience of repetitive tourism among grey tourists Sheffield Hallam University in United Kingdom

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

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Project: An exploration of the travel experience of repetitive tourism among grey tourists

This project aims to explore the travel experience, especially the emotional dimensions of repetitive tourism of grey tourists, defined here as those over 50 years old (Major and McLeay, 2014). For older adults, travel often transcends leisure, providing emotional connection and self-care (Holloway et al., 2011; Patterson et al., 2011). Rather than seeking novelty or adventure through one-off experiences, many grey tourists find comfort in revisiting familiar destinations such as coastal holiday homes, caravan parks, or family-oriented resorts, where they have emotional investment (Foley and Hayllar, 2007; Gerrard, 2016; Mottiar and Quinn, 2003). Repeat visits are believed to contribute to personal identity and place attachment (Chen and Xiao, 2013; Perovic et al., 2018), with less attention has been given to the deeper emotional connections with repetitive tourism, and especially for grey tourists who often value emotional fulfilment, such as nostalgia, comfort and a sense of belonging (Foley & Hayllar, 2007; Perovic et al., 2018). Existing studies of the behaviour and motivations of repetitive tourists often rely on a deductive approach, resulting in generalised findings that overlook the complexity of grey tourists’ motivations, feelings and experiences. This proposal encourages you to adopt an inductive approach, using qualitative methods, to provide rich, nuanced insights into the emotional experiences of repetitive grey tourists.

The aim of your proposals should be to investigate the emotional dimensions of repetitive tourism among grey tourists, exploring the emotional connections that arise from repeated visits to the same destination, such as nostalgia, sense of belonging and loneliness. Additionally, the study will examine how ongoing emotional engagement with familiar places impacts well-being, identity, and quality of life. The project objectives should:

·      examine the emotional motivations behind repetitive tourism among grey tourists;

·      explore the role of repetitive tourism in fostering place attachment and personal identity for grey tourists; and/or

·      understand the impact of repetitive tourism on the everyday lives and well-being of grey tourists, focusing on how their travel experiences contribute to emotional fulfilment and self-care.

Applicants are encouraged to consider addressing one (or more) of the following research questions:

·      How does repetitive tourism address emotional needs such as loneliness, security, and nostalgia for grey tourists?

·      What emotional benefits do older adults experience when revisiting familiar destinations?

·      How do grey tourists emotionally perceive and navigate changes in destinations they frequently visit?

·      In what ways do grey tourists perceive familiar destinations as extensions of their personal identity or life narrative?

·      In what ways do grey consumers use repeat tourism as a form of emotional therapy or self-care?

Supervisors: Dr Rui Wang, Dr Elizabeth Dempsey

If you are interested in this project, and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact Dr Rui Wang ( [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.