PhD Studentship - Using the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) to Strengthen the Religion Research Community

Established in 1996, The Association of Religion Data Archives (www.thearda.com) continues to be a global force in democratizing access to the very highest quality data on religion.

Generously funded by the John Templeton Foundation and the Templeton Religion Trust, the ARDA’s Data Archive has been its central feature for nearly 25 years. Its more than 1,200 curated data files are downloaded more than 30,000 times each year and have been cited in 661 different research journals since 2009. The data collections held in the ARDA have stimulated research on religion in multiple disciplines and offer a rich resource for the larger research community.

In partnership with the Department of Sociological Studies at The University of Sheffield, the ARDA continues to develop its vision of improving the discovery of religion data. Working alongside Dr Tom Clark and the ARDA team, you will contribute to the aims of the ARDA by helping us to increase the number of curated files in our archive. This will involve processing data files relating to religion, promoting the ARDA at various national and international conferences, and developing materials and content associated with the ARDA’s features and services.

As part of the funding, you will also develop your own PhD project relating to the sociology and/or psychology of religion.

The Department of Sociological Studies was founded in the 1950s, making it one of the more established social science departments in the UK. We offer students a distinctly interdisciplinary experience, bringing together sociologists, social policy analysts, social workers and digital society experts under one roof. We are proud to be one of the leading UK departments for research in sociology, social policy, social work & digital society.

As part of the Faculty of Social Sciences you will also have access to world class training alongside your doctoral study. The Social Sciences Doctoral Training programme will be tailored to your individual needs to ensure you have the right skills you need to develop your research. The training programme is designed to exceed current UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) training and development guidelines, and gives you access to all aspects of our ESRC-funded White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership cohort activities.

Applicants should hold a BA/BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) and an MA/MSc in the social sciences or a related area. We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBTQIA+, BAME and disabled communities.

Please note, home applicants only. 

To apply for the PhD, please submit an application and provide a detailed 1,500-word research proposal addressing your proposed project title.

Please ensure that all attachments have been uploaded to the application system. We cannot consider applications where a detailed 1,500-word research proposal has not been submitted.

For specific queries relating to the ARDA or the content of your proposed project please contact Dr. Tom Clark: t.clark@sheffield.ac.uk

Funding

Home tuition fees and stipend and the standard research council rate.

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