From virtual sites to real opportunities: using VR to inspire young women in construction (MPhil scholarship)

You'll receive an annual stipend paid fortnightly, indexed annually to assist with your general living costs. In 2024, the annual stipend rate is $33,637 (AUD) at the full-time rate for up to 21 months.

Domestic students will receive an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset.

International students will receive a Tuition Fee Sponsorship.

You will be part of an innovative project that not only benefits the construction industry but also sets a precedent for using technology to bridge gender gaps in various sectors.

You will need to:

• meet QUT’s admission criteria for our Master of Philosophy degree , which includes meeting QUT’s English language requirements at the time of application.
• commit to full-time, internal study
• be able to commence in the degree by July 2024.

Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate:

• proficiency in VR development platforms and tools
• strong programming skills, especially in languages and tools relevant to VR (e.g., C++, Unity, Python)
• a background or interest in human-computer interaction, gender studies, and/or construction
• familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods.

We are seeking to fill this scholarship position as quickly as possible, so please apply as soon as possible.

You can apply for this scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to a QUT Master of Philosophy degree.

The first step is to email Associate Professor Selen Turkay , detailing your academic and research background, your motivation to research in this field and interest in this scholarship, and include your CV.

If supported to apply, you will then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) following the advice at How to apply for a research degree .

In your EOI, nominate A/Prof Selen Turkay as your proposed principal supervisor, and copy the link to this scholarship into question 2 of the financial details section.

Successful applicants will be contacted directly. We are seeking to commence this project as soon as possible.

This scholarship will be governed by the QUT Postgraduate Research Award (QUTPRA) conditions.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in collaboration with Awesome Women In Construction (AWIC) is excited to announce a cutting-edge research project for an MPhil student. This project, "From Virtual Sites to Real Opportunities: Using VR to Inspire Young Women in Construction," aims to tackle gender disparity in the construction industry through innovative Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

The successful applicant will be immersed in:

• designing and developing a VR prototype that integrates real-life narratives from women in the construction industry
• collaborating with industry partners and conducting outreach programs to evaluate the VR prototype’s impact
• conducting mixed-methods research, including pre-and-post intervention surveys to assess VR intervention efficacy.

Join us in reshaping the construction industry landscape and inspiring the next generation of young women. Apply now to be part of this transformative project!