Enhancing Academic Misconduct Investigations in Higher Education Settings ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

The University of Warwickas part of the Midlands Graduate School is inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Educationto commence in October 2024. 

Project Description

With the rise of generative AI tools and the challenges of detecting inappropriate use in educational settings, academic integrity has become a priority in the education sector. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) recently warned that “academic misconduct is a growing problem globally” (QAA , 2020). Three important debated factors are the emergence of generative AI, the shift to online instruction, and increasing pressures on students. Most of the research and policy development around academic misconduct has focussed on promoting good practice and strengthening academic integrity. There is still a need, however, to focus on how best to manage misconduct, in terms of detecting it, categorising it, preventing it, and reprimanding students for engaging in it. This project will critically examine whether techniques currently used in higher education institutions to investigate academic misconduct are fit for purpose and develop evidence-based recommendations for investigating suspected cases of misconduct.

The project will take a mixed-methodology, interdisciplinary approach and build on research and theory from the psych-law domain (e.g., models guiding evidence-based investigative interviewing techniques) and the education literature (e.g., the latest theoretical and methodological advances in academic integrity research). As such, this studentship would suit a candidate with knowledge of research at the intersection of psychology and law or psychology and education.

The PhD candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof Kim Wade and Dr Gemma Gray (Psychology, Warwick University) and Dr Ailsa Crum (Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement & Standards, QAA). This studentship provides several unique opportunities. The candidate will:

• Conduct research at the intersection of psychology, education and law
• Receive extensive mentoring in navigating academia (e.g., publishing, obtaining funding, teaching, networking)
• Develop expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods
• Work closely with academic and non-academic stakeholders
• Build international networks
• Gain practical experience in developing educational policy

The Psychology Department at Warwick has an excellent infrastructure, a vibrant postgraduate community, and a diverse international body of researchers.

Application Process

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first-class or strong upper second-class honours degree in psychology, or appropriate Masters degree. To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online here . Please upload an anonymised CV and cover letter as part of the application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references.

Application deadline: 5:00pm (GMT) Wednesday 28 February 2024.

Interviews will take place Monday 11 March 2024

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/ .

Informal enquiries about the research or the Psychology Department at Warwick University prior to application can be directed to Prof Kim Wade, [email protected] .