The full-time studentship, which includes an element for teaching will be for 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress. Starting bursary will be £20,000 pa plus student fees. For emerging economies, sustainable tourism development presents opportunities for poverty alleviation, economic growth, the maintenance of distinctive cultures and the protection of natural habitats.  However, the success of destinations is dependent on understanding and utlising models of best practice in areas such as policy formation, governance and product development.  This PhD research should focus on the creation of operating environments conducive to sustainable tourism development.  Accepting the significance of contextual influences, the research could relate to strategies appropriate to particular local, regional or national destinations.  Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, possible themes for research proposals include, Effective policy formation and implementation, Social entrepreneurship, Community engagement, Cultural authenticity, Destination management Whilst the University is keen to support research that is applied to geographical areas in which it is undertaking development work, such as Transylvania in Romania, it equally welcomes proposals from applicants who wish to apply their knowledge to any other geographical locations.  Applicants should have a good Honours degree and in addition a good Master’s degree at merit level and above that includes a thesis component.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 April 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application