Applications are invited for a one-year Masters by Research studentship in evaluating the impact of STEM at the Bangor Psychology School, Bangor University, UK. The studentship is funded by the Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS II) (www.bangor.ac.uk/doctoral-school/kess/index.php.en) in collaboration with Horizon. It will cover tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at the standard RCUK rate (around £11,240 per year), as well as a travel budget for workshops and conference attendance. The studentship is available immediately to eligible applicants.
Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline area. Please submit a CV (max 2 pages) together with a covering letter to Dr Stacey Hunter at Stacey.hunter@bangor.ac.uk by 17:00 on 10th April 2016.
Project outline:
STEM is an area that is represented poorly in Wales in regards to student grades and uptake in higher education. There is going to be an increase in STEM careers, however the current projection shows that there will not be enough skilled individuals in Wales to fill the job demand.
The aim of the project is to work with the five local Anglesey Secondary schools and GwE to establish a baseline of pupils’ awareness of Horizon Nuclear Power, Wylfa Newydd, future career opportunities within STEM on Anglesey and engagement with STEM subjects in school and perceived relevance/enjoyment. The proposed recommendations as a result of the baseline research will help shape development of the Horizon education programme and also provide benefit to the wider education community on Anglesey and in North Wales.
The research would support Horizon’ss three main education strategy objectives:
- to build a sustainable stream of suitably educated future recruits
- to communicate Horizon’s requirements for education and skills
- to demonstrate Horizon’s commitment to wider issues, i.e. community benefits and support key political stakeholder objectives
Horizon’s education programme will develop interventions focusing on three main areas Inspire, Engage and Equip:
- Inspire: to inspire young people to study STEM subjects
- Engage: to engage young people, key stakeholders and the local community about the future recruitment opportunities offered by Horizon
- Equip: to provide young people with key employability skills
The initial research will establish the baseline for further research to be developed and further interventions with the sample group every two years to track the impact of Horizon Nuclear Power’s STEM Intervention, as well as other STEM provisions widely available to schools.
Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) is a pan-Wales higher level skills initiative led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. It is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.
Scholarships expiring soon › Forums › Research Master – The Impact of STEM Interventions on School Pupils’ Subject Choices and Career Ideas, their Awareness of Horizon Nuclear Power and Future Career Opportunities Available.