Opportunities for 2 Year Funded Masters by Research in Sustainability

University of Limerick offers the CO-CREATE PhD studentship (Design-Led Approaches to Child and Youth Transitions) as part of Co-Create Ireland: Art and Design Research Network for Inclusive Futures (CO-CREATE). The project is funded by the Higher Education Authority’s North South Research Programme. The stated purpose is to support a funded PhD studentship within CO-CREATE’s cross-border research work.

The PhD is aimed at applicants who meet the listed design-related and experience criteria, including interest in design-led or co-creative approaches and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings. The role is delivered in partnership with Spunout, National Youth Council of Ireland (NCYI), and Limerick City Area Partnership, and includes regular cross-border travel to support stakeholder engagement, fieldwork, and knowledge exchange activities.

University of Limerick states that desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview if it receives a large number of applicants for the project. The application materials are submitted by email, and the university reserves the right not to make an award.

The studentship provides EU tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum for up to the maximum support period stated, plus research expenses related to the studentship (up to €3,500 per annum) and travel expenses related to the research (up to €1,500 per annum). Mobility expenses of up to €5,000 are described as optional, with mobilities providing funding for a portion of studies outside the home institution within the CO-CREATE network, up to a maximum mobility duration stated.

• Programme level: PhD studentship.
• Nationality: null
• Degree background (Design): An honours degree (e.g. Product/ Industrial, Service, Digital Media, Service Design, Interaction, HCI) in Design or a related discipline, or equivalent.
• Alternative degree pathway: A degree in a health-related field plus a Masters in a Design relevant field.
• Essential experience/interest: Experience of or interest in design-led or co-creative approaches, particularly human-centred or participatory design.
• Working style: Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and with diverse community groups, including children and young people, families, service providers, or voluntary organisations.
• Research environment: Commitment to working in a cross-border, collaborative, and inclusive research environment.
• Cross-border travel requirement: Applicants to CO-CREATE must be able to travel regularly and freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK) and must specify whether they have a citizenship, residency or status which allows them to travel freely.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage sensitively with participants and produce clear written and visual outputs.
• Motivation: Motivation to work on socially impactful research, with a commitment to improving the experiences of children and other marginalised groups.
• Organisation/analysis: Strong organisational and analytical skills, including the ability to manage fieldwork, synthesise complex data, and work independently.
• Exclusions: Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
• Desirable criteria (used for shortlisting if applications are high): Experience working with health and/or wellbeing teams and/or in healthcare contexts; experience with multi-disciplinary teams in a design studio/ research environment; experience working with children and young people and/or other groups who face social marginalisation, exclusion, or visibility-related challenges; experience with co-design or co-production, including running workshops, co-creative sessions, or community engagement activities; experience analysing qualitative data using thematic analysis, grounded theory, or similar frameworks; familiarity with interdisciplinary research environments where design, social science, and policy intersect; understanding of ethical considerations in participatory and community-based research with vulnerable groups; skills in visualisation and representation (2D and 3D) techniques for designers.

• EU Tuition Fees.
• Tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum for up to the maximum support period stated.
• Research expenses related to the studentship: up to €3,500 per annum.
• Travel expenses related to the research: up to €1,500 per annum.
• Mobility expenses (optional): up to €5,000.

1. Prepare a 1,500 word comprehensive research proposal detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodologies.
2. Prepare a CV including qualification transcripts, or exam results to date if the degree is incomplete.
3. Prepare a 1 page personal statement outlining motivation, fit and capacity to undertake the PhD studentship.
4. Prepare a portfolio containing samples of design project work.
5. Include contact details of two referees.
6. Submit all materials to [email protected] by 5pm on February 26, 2026, using the subject line “Co-Create PhD: Design-Led Approaches to Early Life Transitions”.

• A 1,500 word comprehensive research proposal detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodologies.
• A CV including qualification transcripts, or exam results to date (if degree is incomplete).
• A 1 page personal statement outlining motivation, fit and capacity to undertake the PhD studentship.
• A portfolio containing samples of design project work.
• Contact details of two referees.