PhD Studentship: How UAE Teachers Perceive the Impact of the Reading for Pleasure Project on Pupil Well-being

The University of Birmingham is now inviting highly motivated and self-driven early career researchers to submit an application for a PhD project exploring UAE teacher perceptions of reading for pleasure and pupil well-being. The PhD student will be primarily based in Birmingham/UK with data collection trips to Dubai/UAE.

The Reading for Pleasure project is an initiative by the Emirates Literature Foundation to inspire the love of reading among students. In 2023, the Foundation launched a 5-year Reading for Pleasure pilot programme in six schools spanning KG1 to Grade 6 in Dubai. The programme comprises of a schedule of literacy activities for students, resources for parents and educators, and an academic research project designed with local university partners. As one of the key research partners, the University of Birmingham is leading research focusing on Reading for Pleasure and pupil well-being.

The research will use qualitative and quantitative methods to develop understanding of this area. The project’s findings are expected to have a profound impact on teaching and learning practices in UAE schools as well as on education policymaking and enactment in the Gulf region. The PhD student will work with lead experts and expert practitioners in the research network.

Funding notes:

Our funded PhD studentship will cover the cost of your PhD tuition fees as a home student, including a yearly stipend of £19,237 and an annual contribution of up to £3,400 to cover data collection in Dubai for the duration of 3 years.

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