Download PhD Research Studentships - Glasgow Caledonian University

Self-Funded PhD Research Project
School of Energy and the Built Environment
Sustainable Environments and Communities
Project Reference Number: SEBE_SELF_KB_1
Project Title: Analysis of the technical and market potential for responsible
e-waste recycling in Scotland
Self-funded research applications are invited for the following PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian
University. Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the successful
candidate will be required to source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses
while studying at the university.
Research Discipline areas
Electronic waste, policy, market analysis
Research Theme(s)
 Sustainable Environments – Urban Environments
 Inclusive Societies –Equalities and Justice
Research Supervisor Contact
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researcher for further details on the proposed
research project area.
 Dr Keith Baker, Researcher, School of Energy and the Built Environment, tel. +44 (0)
7884125540, email [email protected]
Research Project Summary
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Electronic waste has been described as “the world’s fastest growing and potentially most
dangerous waste problem” (New York Times) and global efforts to address the problem have
created large and highly profitable markets for responsible re-manufacturers and recyclers,
however to date there has been little concentration or development of the industry in Scotland.
Dr Keith Baker has been working in this field since 2002 and is recognised as an international
expert on e-waste and environmental impact of technology within the displays industry.
This project aims to conduct a quantitative analysis of the sources and flows of e-waste in
Scotland and the number and turnover of existing e-waste recycling services using data to be
sought from the Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland, appropriately accredited e-waste
recyclers, and other relevant stakeholders. It will identify and quantify the impact of barriers and
opportunities for increasing the volume of e-waste recycled in Scotland - for example
concentrations of e-waste sources and geographical bottlenecks for collection and distribution.
The final outputs will be a set of conclusions on the potential for the growth of the industry in
Scotland and any policy measures needed to enable it.
Mode(s) of Study
This project is available as a:
 PhD: 3 years full-time
 PhD: 4.5 years part-time
Institute/Research Groups (if applicable)
Sustainable Urban Environments:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/isetr/researchthemesandareas/sustainabilityinthebuiltenvironment/sustainable
urbanenvironmentsresearch/
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APPLICATION DETAILS
Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject
relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research
experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent)
with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
Specific requirements of the project (if applicable):
The project is particularly suited to students from an environmental science or electronic engineering
background with good statistical skills (Excel is essential, SPSS would is desirable), however applications
are also welcome from students from related disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and economics. The
successful candidate will need to demonstrate a good balance of understanding both the technical and
policy-making aspects of the problem, and any prior knowledge of the e-waste industry would be an
advantage.
How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor contact for the project before applying.
Applicants should complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/ ) stating the project title and reference
number and attaching a research proposal.
The form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references
and any other relevant documentation to: [email protected]. Applicants shortlisted for a
PhD will be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadlines
The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application
deadlines for 2015-16 are as follows:
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May 2016 Start - 1 March 2016
October 2016 Start - 30 June 2016
February 2017 Start - 1 December 2016
Research Degree Fees
Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/feesfunding/
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