PhD Studentships  ­ University of Southampton

The following are collaborative ESRC studentships for PhD (Œ+3¹) training,
co-funded by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. Bayesian estimation of internal migration in England and Wales

The project will focus on developing Bayesian methods to estimate internal
migration for the purpose of providing currently unavailable data sets for
both population estimation and migration analysis. Additional analyses will
explore the combination of administrative (incomplete) and census
(auxiliary) data to produce detailed flows, such as by age, sex and
ethnicity. Applicants should have a strong background in statistics or
mathematics. Supervision will draw on expertise in the School of Mathematics
as well as the School of Social Science. Experience in migration or other
aspects of demography is not required. For further details, contact Dr James
Raymer, Division of Social Statistics ([log in to unmask]) or Professor Jon
Forster, School of Mathematics ([log in to unmask]).

-----------------------------------------------------------------
2. ŒNon-response in censuses and surveys¹
 
The project will study non-response in major UK government surveys and/or
the decennial census. It will suit someone either with strong mathematical
and statistical skills or someone with a background in a social science
discipline and less expertise in maths and statistics. Qualitative research
could (but need not) form one element of the project. The studentship will
be informally linked to a three year ESRC research project on survey
non-response starting in September 2007 that is also in collaboration with
ONS. The studentship offers the opportunity to help improve the design of
surveys and censuses and the quality of the data they provide while
obtaining training in a key area of sample survey methods. For further
details, contact Professor John Micklewright, Division of Social Statistics
([log in to unmask]). 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: these studentships will benefit from a £2k supplement over the
standard rate maintenance grant, bringing the tax-free grant to £14.3k pa.

Applicants should have completed research training that qualifies them for
Œ+3¹ ESRC support (e.g. through an appropriate Master¹s course). Further
information on this and on other conditions for eligibility (e.g. residency)
can be found at:
http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/postgraduate/

Applicants should download a standard PhD application form at
http://www.soton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/pgappforms.html
<http://www.soton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/pgappforms.html> (please do not
use the Œonline application¹ link).  Applications should include a one page
statement that gives reasons for interest in the particular studentship
being applied for and details of relevant experience and training.

Note that we intend to fill these studentships as soon as suitable
applications are received. Early application is therefore advised. The last
possible date for receipt of any application is July 13.

All applications must include transcripts, references, and a one page
statement.  They should be returned to:

School of Social Sciences
Postgraduate Research Office
University of Southampton,
Highfield, Southampton,
SO17 1BJ

-----------------------------------------------------------------