History, transportation and the marketing and development of Irish destination heritage

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Rail history, as linked to tourism, is a niche research field but one that has been under explored. Many destinations today developed as a result of being connected through past rail networks. This is particularly the case for Ireland, the geographic focus of this proposed research. Places such as Killarney, Cork, Westport, Bangor and Portrush developed as resort and destination regions as a result of the Irish railroad companies.

Today’s traveller is encouraged to take the train as a mode of transport, to be part of the movement for slow travel, to engage in forms of travel that are sustainable and more carbon neutral. In July 2024 the all Ireland Strategic Rail Review was launched with the aim by 2050 to deliver an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system. Part of that review is to get more people to travel by rail. Past travellers often talk of the nostalgia involved in travel by train, especially when heritage trains and heritage lines are involved.

The proposed project focuses on whether a past nostalgia of travel by rail can be re-captured by today’s travellers. The project also looks at the role of marketing by Irish railroad companies not just of the journey along routes but also of the destinations at the end of the lines. Across Ireland there exist a number of special collections of railway memorabilia that can be displayed in the form of exhibits where today’s travellers get to glimpse at rail travel of the past, learn of the development of routes and how railways connected travellers to destinations across Ireland. The project also examines to what extent did the railways help shape ‘distinctive heritages’ of Irish destinations and resort regions and can a past nostalgia be re-created in today’s travellers.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

First Class Honours (1st) Degree
Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.