The role of business in enabling a just transition towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Northern Ireland

This PhD offers an appropriate qualified candidate the opportunity to explore how collaboration, communication and innovation across diverse stakeholder groups can drive action on SDGs. Facilitating commitment and cooperation from diverse stakeholders, including governments, corporations, NGOs, and individuals is key to taking action in making a sustainable and equitable world a shared reality.

At Ulster University Business School we are committed to aligning our teaching, research, partnerships and organisational practices with the Sustainable Development Goals in ways that have a positive influence on business, the environment and wider society. Ulster University is dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and economic viability and achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Research in this area is of particular relevance to the strategic vision of the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy's 10X Strategy. This forward-thinking initiative is a bold commitment to achieving tenfold economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. The research conducted for this PhD will be aligned with this visionary strategy, and will offer a unique opportunity to contribute directly to shaping Northern Ireland's future. The 10X Strategy places a strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Your research could be a catalyst for positive change, influencing policy and contributing to the realisation of ambitious economic and sustainable development goals.

Suggested topics / titles to be explored include but are not limited to:

• Aligning Business Strategies with Sustainable Development   Goals: An In-depth Analysis of Corporate Practices and Stakeholder   Engagement.
• The Role of Corporate Governance in Driving Sustainable   Business Practices.
• Sustainable Innovation in Business: Assessing the Integration   and Impact of SDG activities in 10X Businesses in Northern Ireland.
• Sustainability Reporting and Corporate Transparency: Analysing   the Effectiveness of Disclosure Practices in Achieving SDG Targets.

By choosing Ulster University Business School for your PhD, you're not only investing in your academic and professional growth but also aligning yourself with a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world. Join us in the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and sustainability as we work together to address the global challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

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%

The University offers the following levels of support:

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