An examination of the role of digitalisation in credit unions in Ireland.

Ulster University, United Kingdom

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Coleraine, NORTHERN IRELAND

Summary

Advances in financial technology (Fintech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have resulted in a range of products designed to improve financial services to customers.  Research has and is examining the impact of this innovation on for-profit financial institutions and their stakeholders. However, few studies have investigated the impact of digital innovation on non-profit financial institutions, such as credit unions. Yet these financial institutions, which have both social and economic objectives, are of increasing importance within local communities due to the withdrawal of physical bank branches, their financial outreach role during COVID-19 and the commitment by government to SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.  Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the role of digitalisation in improving financial inclusion within credit unions on the island of Ireland.

This PhD may involve:

  • Completing a literature review to gain insights and highlight gaps pertaining to the role of digitalisation within credit unions;
  • Undertaking field work to identify the extent of digitalisation within credit unions located in Ireland (survey-based methodology);
  • Seeking evidence to provide informed useful information for relevant policymakers (eg. trade bodies) on the use/potential use of digital technology for tackling financial exclusion in credit unions in Ireland (interview-based methodology);
  • Seeking evidence on the barriers and enablers of digital technology in credit unions in Ireland (interview-based methodology); and
  • Examining how digital technology has changed credit union behaviour in Ireland.

    • Essential criteria

    Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

    We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

    In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

    • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
    • Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

    Desirable Criteria

    If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

    • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
    • Masters at 70%

    Funding and eligibility

    The University offers the following levels of support:


    Department for the Economy (DFE)

    The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

    This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

    • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
    • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
    • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
    • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

    Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living


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