Sheffield Hallam University – Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Scholarship in the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research: The influence of lighting on women’s perceptions of safety to cycle after dark, with the Doncaster Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)

Applications are invited for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD scholarships in the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR), 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.

CRESR

CRESR is one of the UK’s leading policy research centres. Our work is concerned with understanding the impact of social and economic disadvantage on places, on people and on the environment. Having a beneficial social impact is at the heart of what we do in CRESR, and we seek to drive forward social and environmental justice within disadvantaged communities. We grapple with pressing societal challenges, ranging from personal traumas of homelessness to complexities of repurposing industry for a net-zero economy. You can read more about CRESR here.

Project: The influence of lighting on women’s perceptions of safety to cycle after dark, with the Doncaster Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)

Increased cycling offers substantial benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, air and noise pollution, and improved public health. However, cycling remains underutilised in the UK, with only 2% of trips made by bicycle. Women are much less likely to cycle than men, with women taking around 60% fewer cycle tips per year compared with men. A key explanation for the low take up of cycling amongst women is concerns over safety. This project addresses the critical need to understand how to make women feel safer cycling after dark, with the aim of boosting cycling rates amongst women.

This project will investigate how darkness affects women’s perceptions of safety while cycling and how lighting can mitigate these concerns. It aims to determine optimal lighting levels to promote cycling reassurance, prioritising women due to the urgent need to increase their cycling participation.

The project will have three aims:

1. Identify key elements impacting on the reassurance to cycle of women based in the UK

2. Identify relationship between the reassurance of women to cycle and the lighting provision on potential cycle routes

3. Provide evidence to inform optimal design of lighting to encourage women to cycle after dark through increased reassurance

Meeting these aims will require close collaboration with our research partner, the Doncaster Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), who provide strong links to our local case-study area of Doncaster.

PhD proposals aligned with this project are invited. We encourage a mixed-methods approach to address the three research aims. This would likely include a qualitative study involving women, both current cyclists and non-cyclists, and a field experiment in Doncaster, South Yorkshire that will test the impact of lighting changes on women’s perceived reassurance while cycling after dark. 

A collaborative PhD provides an exciting opportunity for doctoral researchers to work outside academia and for their research to have a direct impact on the partner organisation and the wider community. Collaborative arrangements also facilitate access to a wider range of resources, knowledge and expertise than might otherwise be possible.

Supervisors

If you are interested in this project, and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact: Dr Stephen Parkes ([email protected])

Student-led PhD projects

We also invite proposals for individual projects where prospective research students take forward a great research idea of their own design. Applicants are advised to submit their own project ideas on any topic within the areas aligned to CRESR staff research.

Research in CRESR is organised into four themes:

•          Housing and Place

•          Inclusive Economy

•          Sustainable Futures

•          Voluntary and Community Sector 

We strongly recommend that you contact a prospective supervisor to discuss your research ideas before applying. Details of staff research interests and contact details can be found through the department website.

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: 17:00 (BST) on Thursday 17^th April 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews are to take place during the weeks commencing 2^nd and 9^th June.

Please e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions.