Swansea University 2023 ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology, UK

Criminology: ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership – Collaborative Studentship 2023: Combatting Online Extremism: Algorithmic Amplification of Counter-Speech

Since the so-called ‘Golden Age’ of Islamic State on Twitter, much progress has been made in the identification and removal of online terrorist and violent extremist content (TVEC) - such that today the major platforms state that over 95% of TVEC is proactively removed by the platforms themselves before being flagged by Internet Referral Units or users. At the same time, concern has grown about “borderline” content that deliberately falls just short of violating platforms’ terms of service, and so is not liable to be removed, but nonetheless has the propensity to cause harm. This includes extremist content that falls short of inciting violence.

A number of options have been touted for moderating this so-called lawful but awful content. These include the use of algorithms to redirect users who search for extremist content towards counter-speech (i.e. counter or alternative narratives). Yet, whilst the potential for algorithms to amplify extremist content and engulf users in an immersive ideological bubble has been highlighted as a policy concern by, among others, the UK Government and the EU Counter-Terrorism Commissioner, very little attention has been paid to the possibility of utilising algorithms to mitigate against extremist content online by disseminating counter-speech. This project seeks to address this gap, by asking the following questions:

• In what circumstances is counter-speech effective in dissuading people from extremist narratives? The student will critically assess the state of knowledge of monitoring, measurement, and evaluation for counter-speech. The student could also choose to conduct empirical research, such as stakeholder interviews or focus groups, to establish the key challenges in evaluating effectiveness.
• How effective are algorithms in amplifying counter-speech to its target audience? The student may choose to empirically research the use of algorithmic amplification of counter-speech by analysing real life campaigns, such as those against the far-right, jihadism, or incels, on a choice of platform. Alternatively, the student could opt to undertake a theoretical perspective which assesses the core viability of such an approach, which in turn could be used to develop a framework for future interventions.
• What ethical principles should underpin the amplification of counter-speech? The student will draw on legal doctrine (rule of law values, human rights law), with flexibility to choose to focus on specific areas of concern (e.g., transparency, accountability, freedom of expression).

• Table of Content
• About Swansea University
• Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology
• Aim and Benefits of Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology
• Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology Courses
• Requirements for Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Swansea University

Swansea University has been at the cutting edge of research and innovation since 1920. We have a long history of working with business and industry but today our world-class research has a much wider impact across the health, wealth, culture, and well-being of our society. We have achieved an extraordinary level of success in recent years and our research activity exceeds that of many larger universities yet this has not compromised the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that has always characterised the �Swansea experience�. In our Centenary year, we look forward to continuing to work ... continue reading

Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology

Aim and Benefits of Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology

The studentship provides the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend. There will be additional funds available for research expenses.

Studentship awards commence in October 2023 and will cover your tuition fees as well as a maintenance grant (currently £17,668 per annum for 2022/23 for full-time students, updated each year) and include access to an additional Research Training Support Grant (RTSG). 

A ‘1+3’ studentship provides funding for four years (or part-time equivalent), completing a research training master’s in the first year, followed by 3 years’ research funding for a PhD. A ‘+3’ studentship provides funding for the three years of PhD research study only (or part-time equivalent).

There are other opportunities and benefits available to studentship holders, including an overseas fieldwork allowance (if applicable), internship opportunities, overseas institutional visits and other small grants.

Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology Courses

• Criminology

Requirements for Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology Qualification

ESRC studentships are highly competitive. Candidates should have an excellent background in the social sciences, holding a first- or strong upper-second-class degree, or equivalent recognised by Swansea University (please consult https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements/); applications from those also holding a relevant research training master’s degree (or an equivalent background in research training) will be considered for a ‘+3’ /PhD award. Heath Data Science, Psychology or related discipline is acceptable.  Training in statistics can be provided. 

English language requirements: if applicable, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with a score of no less than 6.5 in any individual component) or Swansea University-recognised equivalent is required. For more details, please read the University’s English language entry policy. 

A fully-funded Wales DTP studentship is available to both UK and international (including EU and EEA) students. All applicants will be eligible for a full award consisting of a maintenance stipend and payment of tuition fees at the UK research organisation rate. Applicants must satisfy studentship eligibility requirements. For further details, please see the UKRI website. Successful international student applicants will receive a fully-funded Wales DTP studentship and will not be charged the fees difference between the UK and international rate. 

Pending qualification study: to meet Swansea University's concurrent study regulations, current study is required to be awarded/completed (as appropriate) prior to the course/scholarship start date. Please note that this date supersedes any current course of study schedule/submission deadlines.

NB:?If you are holding a non-UK degree, please see?Swansea University degree comparisons?to find out if you meet the eligibility.? 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email?[email protected]?with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

Interview date, Process and Venue for Swansea University ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership in Criminology

he deadline for applications is 12:00pm (GMT) on 3 February 2023.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview; interviews are expected to take place in February and March 2023. Following the interviews, a final shortlist of nominated applicants will be forwarded to a panel that is convened by the ESRC Wales DTP Management Group and at which final decisions with regard to studentship awards will be made. 

Please note that a nomination from Swansea University post-interview is no guarantee of a final studentship offer – and a nomination is not an offer of a place. All final decisions on the allocation of studentships are made by the ESRC Wales DTP Management Group; in most cases, successful applicants can expect to hear in April 2023.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Joe Whittaker ([email protected]). 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.

Documents Required for Application

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV should be no longer than two pages.
• Academic / professional qualifications. Please provide copies of certificates and transcripts.
• A cover letter. Please address to Dr Joe Whittaker. The covering letter must set out your reasons and motivation for applying to study at Swansea University, and on the Criminology pathway; your understanding, and expectations of doctoral study; and your academic interests generally, and particularly of those relating to your proposed research. The covering letter should be no more than two pages. Please specify whether you wish to apply on a ‘+3’ or ‘1+3’ basis. Remember also to specify that your application concerns ESRC Wales DTP general studentships and include in your application the name(s) of your prospective supervisor(s).
• Two references. All applications require two academic references to be submitted in support. Candidates must approach referees themselves, and submit the references with their application.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (please note that the data provided in this form will be separated from your application and will not be utilised as part of assessment or decision making processes)
• Research proposal. The proposal should be up to a maximum of 1,000 words, not including bibliographic references. We suggest that you use the following five headings in your research proposal:
  • Title, aims and purpose of the research;
  • Brief overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;
  • Proposed design / methods;
  • Academic contributions of your research;
  • Bibliographic references.

Please note that incomplete applications – or applications that are received after the specified deadline – will not be accepted.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Criminology / PhD / Full-time / 3 Year / October

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email [email protected] where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2023
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS258 - Counter Speech ESRC DTP’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

For more details visit:  Swansea University website.