Politics Graduate and Researcher Gavin Hart Shares his Experience
Politics graduate and researcher Gavin Hart pictured in the Researchers' Hub
Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:02:00 GMT
Having graduated with a first class degree in politics, star student Gavin Hart is now undertaking a PHD around the theme of 21st Century Citizenship and is a member of the research Academy for British and Irish Studies. Here he shares his experience of study as an undergraduate and as a researcher at the University of Huddersfield.
“I began my studies at the University of Huddersfield in 2008 when I enrolled on an undergraduate degree in politics. I spent a rewarding three years here and came out with a first class degree. In my final year, I developed a keen interest in identity politics, particularly with reference to contemporary Northern Irish political parties. This was an avenue of research that I was keen to pursue beyond undergraduate level. Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I was very pleased to discover that there were studentships made available by the Centre for Research in the Social Sciences (CRISS), to support doctoral research projects linked to the theme of 21st Century Citizenship. I applied for this support and was selected from amongst a competitive field of suitable candidates.
“My doctoral research considers the impact of multiculturalism on party discourse in Northern Ireland. The thesis uses qualitative research techniques to consider the extent to which political parties have adapted to shifts in Northern Ireland's cultural demography. I am currently spending the second year of my PHD carrying out interviews with politicians elected to the devolved assembly in Stormont. In addition to my studies, I have been accepted as a member of the Academy for British and Irish Studies (ABIS), webmaster for the Political Studies Association Specialist Group on Britishness (PSASGB) and Co-convenor of the Human and Health Sciences Post-Graduate Research Forum. Studying Politics at the University of Huddersfield has allowed me to pursue an academic career in a supportive environment.”
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