This three-year studentship is linked to an ESRC-funded research project whose principal investigator, Professor Richard Gillespie (University of Liverpool) will be the primary PhD research supervisor. The doctoral project will focus on the behaviour of Catalan and Basque nationalist politicians in the Spanish Parliament and their relations with central government authorities in Madrid.

ESRC Project

The broad aims of the larger research project are (a) to identify the pattern of evolution of nationalist movements in Spain in terms of a series of dynamics (interaction with central government, pressures from the support bases of nationalist parties, competition between parties within the home region, and international influences; and (b) to compare and contrast the experience of Basque and Catalan nationalist parties in respect of competing trends towards radicalisation, on the one hand, and territorial accommodation, on the ther.

In addition to individual research, the project envisages two workshops being held with relevant experts and stakeholders, one in Spain and the other (comparative) in Liverpool.

Studentship

The financial support is for three years from 4 January 2013 and is based on standard ESRC terms and conditions. Rates for 2012-13 include university fees at £3828, a maintenance stipend of £13,590 and up to £750 for conferences and travel. Support for fieldwork also forms part of the package. The student will be based in the Department of Politics, School of History, Languages and Cultures, University of Liverpool.

Qualifications and Requirements

The successful candidate will have a first class or upper second class degree, knowledge of Spanish politics and/or nationalist movements and a working knowledge of Spanish. In accordance with ESRC guidelines, applicants should be either a British citizen or an EU national who has been resident in the UK over the last three years. S/he will have achieved a level of research training allowing for direct registration on a PhD programme (usually through having a suitable masters qualification) , though supplementary training (e.g. in languages) will be available.

For full particulars or inquiries: Professor Richard Gillespie richard.gillespie@liverpool.ac.uk

Ref: PHD-EVOGIL Deadline: Friday, 26 October 2012