We are seeking an enthusiastic student to lead this research project and map our existing student-community projects, networks and activism in order to reduce barriers to student participation in community engagement and identify opportunities for student leadership in community activism.
Department: Geography & Environmental Science
Supervised by: Sarah Gardner (Community Relations Manager) and Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans (SAGES and University Public Engagement with Research Fellow)
The new University Strategy outlines the aspiration for the University to become a civic and engaged University that plays a positive role in the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of our local and regional communities. The Community Relations Manager and new Public Engagement Fellow are piloting a research project on student-led community engagement and activism, with a particular focus on Environmental Sustainability. We are seeking an enthusiastic student to lead this research project and map our existing student-community projects, networks and activism in order to reduce barriers to student participation in community engagement and identify opportunities for student leadership in community activism. We are seeking a UROP student to: • review existing academic literature on the ‘civic university’ and student-community engagement and activism, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability • undertake a research mapping exercise using qualitative/quantitative methods as appropriate to: o gather evidence on existing University – community partnerships, with a particular focus understanding student-led engagement and the work of RUSU, the Community Champions scheme, the Student Community Assistants scheme and other student-led activism with a sustainability focus o map existing networks between students and local communities/external organisations across Reading and Berkshire. • use online qualitative research methods (such as interviews or more creative methods including storytelling, photovoice/film) to showcase some case study projects, selected by the placement student, that showcases student-community engagement/activism • identify new opportunities and barriers to student-community engagement • attendance of community/stakeholder meetings and online events • prepare a research output (report or more creative format) that will evidence existing networks/partnerships and outline opportunities for developing new student-led initiatives • the UROP student will also have the opportunity to participate in online external stakeholder meetings, academic workshops and contribute to a co-authored publication.
Draft Schedule: Week 1: Induction and Literature review Week 2: Devising a methodology for mapping and gathering existing secondary data Week 3/4: Network mapping/interviews with key stakeholders Week 4/5: Qualitative research with case study organisations Week 6: Output development (report or more creative output) and recommendations
This is an interdisciplinary research project and we welcome applications from enthusiastic students from a diverse range of social science, arts and humanities backgrounds. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with some knowledge of qualitative/quantitative research techniques, data analysis and sound IT skills. We will provide further training and support in these areas. Experience of working with external organisations and communities would be an advantage.
This project provides valuable experience in leadership and project management and allows for the development of online qualitative research skills, experience in methodological design and data analysis, report and academic writing, networking with local community organisations. Verbal communication skills will be developed through the interaction with young people and local community organisations, RUSU and participation in external workshops. Writing and publication skills will be enhanced
Remote
9-5 with some flexibility
Monday 20 July 2020 - Friday 18 September 2020
Please send a covering letter (maximum one page) and CV (maximum two pages) to Sarah Gardner at s.gardner@reading.ac.uk by end of the day on 8th July. Successful applicants may be invited for an online interview.