PhD Studentship in the Marketing and Advertising Department
PhD Studentship in the Marketing and Advertising Department
Coventry University – Faculty of Business, Environment and Society
Start date: April/Sept 2010
We are committed to the strategic development of our research activity in areas relating to Marketing and Advertising Studies, continually seeking to enhance our research expertise and expand its impact. Our PhD students are an important part of our activities. An exciting opportunity is now available to work in this dynamic environment through a funded PhD project in either of the following areas:
• Excessive Consumption and Waste
Excessive consumption and waste are increasingly seen as problematic for both the environment and for society. For example, excessive consumption of food in rich countries inflates food prices in developing worlds and reduces overall supply. Food waste also costs UK consumers approximately £10.2billion a year. Add to this production, transportation and storage and wasteful consumption is said to account for 5% of the UK’s greenhouse emissions. In our consumer society excess is becoming a buzz word for politicians and policy makers. Growing adult and childhood obesity and binge drinking are subjected to almost daily analysis.
This research will examine societal trends and the consumers changing relationship with food taking into account changes in family structure, gender and social class.
• Terror Management Theory
Terror Management Theory suggests that events that make an individual’s mortality more salient lead to potentially overwhelming existential anxiety and results in behaviour directed at alleviating this anxiety. The attacks of September 11th 2001 and subsequent attacks in Madrid, Bali, Mumbai and London suddenly made death and its possibility a stark reality, a shocking reminder of our own vulnerability and mortality. The media are also responsible, in part, for how we view and interpret death. It is undeniable that death is increasingly being turned into a commodity. From Princess Diana’s funeral, Farrah Fawcett’s video diary of her demise, the ‘Big Brother’ reality show contestant Jade Goody’s sale of the rights to her funeral coverage to a television network to the lottery surrounding Michael Jackson’s tribute concert where his coffin was placed in front of the stage. There is now even a term within the tourism industry for death related attractions ‘Thanatourism’. Thanatourism may act as a new social institution that allows individuals to confront and contemplate mortality moments from a safe distance and in a safe environment. This research will examine the commodification and marketisation of death and examine attitudes and experiences in relation to consuming death related experiences (for example, Von Hagen’s ‘Body Worlds’).
Details of the Award
The studentship will last for a three year period at the end of which it is expected that the PhD will have been completed. The studentship provides a full scholarship (the award covers fees at UK/EU level and a maintenance grant of £12,504). Overseas students are welcome to apply but will need to fund the balance of fees payable by overseas students. As part of the studentship successful applicants will be expected to undertake some teaching duties and support activities and to contribute to research activities within the Faculty.
Applicants will be expected to have a good Masters degree (average marks of 60% +) in a relevant subject from a recognised academic institution. An IELTS score of 7 or above is required for those who do not have English as a first language.
As part of the application process candidates must submit a written piece of not more than 1000 words outlining what they see as the key issues in relation to the particular topic that they interested in studying (referencing literature where appropriate).
Closing Date: Monday 22nd March 2010.
Interview Date: Interviews are planned to take place during week commencing 12th April 2010.
How to apply
Please submit an application form, a written piece of not more than 1000 words outlining what you see as the key issues in relation to the particular topic that you are interested in studying (referencing literature where appropriate), a detailed CV, 2 references and a covering letter addressed to Professor Hazel Barrett, by email to research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk
For an informal discussion please telephone the Head of Department Dr Harjit Sekhon (02476 888459) or email via h.sekhon@coventry.ac.uk
For an application form please visit the link;
