Program Overview

PhD Poverty, Homelessness and Social Justice

The PhD Poverty, Homelessness and Social Justice is a research-based program that explores the experiences, needs, and perspectives of vulnerable and excluded groups in the housing market. This includes homeless people, those fleeing domestic violence, new migrants, young people, ex-offenders, people with substance misuse problems, and those at risk of losing their home through anti-social behavior.

Key Information

• Funding: Self-funded
• School: Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
• Location: Edinburgh
• Award: PhD
• Delivery type: Full-time, Part-time
• Start date: September

Program Description

This research theme delves into 'street culture' activities, such as rough sleeping, begging, street drinking, street prostitution, and 'survival' crimes. It also examines the ethical basis for 'interventionist' service approaches and the use of social control mechanisms to manage street populations. Additionally, the program focuses on the statutory homelessness framework in the UK and 'rights-based' approaches to housing and homelessness across Europe and the developed world.

Research Areas

Research areas include:

• Homelessness prevention
• 'Housing First' approaches for homeless people with complex needs
• The role of faith-based organizations in addressing homelessness and housing need
• Institutional and policy analysis in tackling the needs of homeless families, single people, rough sleepers, young people, and migrants

Methodologies

Studies in this area have employed a range of methodologies, including quantitative surveys, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and longitudinal techniques. Funding for recent work has come from the ESRC, AHRC, European Commission, DCLG, Scottish Government, and leading charities such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Crisis, and Centrepoint.

Project Supervisor

Staff contributing to this research area include:

• Suzanne Fitzpatrick
• Sarah Johnsen
• Gina Netto
• Filip Sosenko
• Beth Watts-Cobbe

Supervisor Profiles

• Suzanne Fitzpatrick: Professor of Housing and Social Policy
• Gina Netto: Professor
• Beth Watts-Cobbe: Professor

Entry Requirements

• Candidate criteria: Suitably qualified candidates are welcome to apply.
• Application process: Select 'PhD Urban Studies' when completing the application form.
• English language requirements: The minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0. English language courses are available for those who do not meet this requirement.

Funding Information

• Tuition fees:
  • Scotland: ｣5,151 (Full-time), ｣2,575.50 (Part-time)
  • England / Wales / N Ireland: ｣5,151 (Full-time), ｣2,575.50 (Part-time)
  • International: ｣20,456 (Full-time), ｣10,228 (Part-time)
• Scholarships: Competitive funded scholarships are available for research degrees, offering full or partial support for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities, or industry.