The scholarship is part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project: The African Diaspora and Pentecostalism in Australia: New Perspectives on Materiality, Media and Religion.
This project investigates the new African Diaspora in Australia and its embrace of Pentecostalism, particularly after arrival. The African community in Australia has often been associated with poor settlement outcomes, and has also been on the receiving end of a racialised moral panic. The project aims: to understand the range of challenges African-Australian communities faces; to determine why so many of their members join Pentecostal churches; to investigate how Pentecostal churches support these communities’ translocal and transnational mobility and sense of belonging, and; to contribute to policy efforts to improve outcomes for African new arrivals in Australia.
Within this larger project, the PhD candidates will conduct ethnographic research with Pentecostal churches in Australia, and with African Diasporas in the country. Both projects will investigate questions such as: how do Pentecostal churches support/hinder processes of settlement and ‘integration’? How do some Pentecostal megachurches generate transnational religious fields – ones which may harness resources from branches elsewhere in the world? And what impact does all of this have on Australian cities’ post-secular social landscapes?
There are two scholarships in this project. One of the PhD candidates will be based in Sydney, at the Religion and Society Research Centre, School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, and the other in Perth, at the School of Social Sciences, University of Western Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds: anthropology, sociology, religious studies, African studies, Migration studies or a related field. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in the intersections of migration and religion.
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
Applications from students of African heritage are especially welcomed.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.(opens in new window)
Benefits.
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver and Overseas Student Health Cover (single policy).(opens in new window)
- Support for training, conference attendance, fieldwork and additional research costs as approved by the School.
Method of Application
Contact Professor Cristina Rocha (c.rocha@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.
2. Review the research scholarships frequently asked questions.(opens in new window)
3. Submit an online application for admission.(opens in new window)
4. Complete the project scholarship application form (PDF, 89.74 KB).(opens in new window)
5. Compile your CV, contact information for two referees, and a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.
6. Submit your scholarship application form and any supporting documentation to the Graduate Research School as follows:
- Use the email subject line: Application_2019_072_SSAP
- Submit to grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au
- All attached documents must be submitted as PDF.
- In the body of your email, include your full name, your student ID (if you are a current or previous Western Sydney University student) and the full title of the scholarship.
Applicants who do not submit an online application for admission will not be considered.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
Please contact the Graduate Research School via email at grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au for more information.
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Scholarship Application Deadline: 30 June 2019
