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This project is funded by:
Use of referendums has increased significantly over the last quarter of a century. It is argued that referendums enable direct democracy since ordinary citizens directly decide policy issues without intermediating politicians. Yet, modern referendums do not supplant representative democracy, they only supplement it. Research questions: (1) Who to include in the “people” whose preferences are counted, which relates to suffrage rights and voter competence. (2) The role of political parties and whether referendums are dominated by elites and special interests or taken over by populist groups. (3) The presence or absence of popular deliberation in the referendum process, and whether voters focus on the referendum issue, or treat the referendum as an opportunity to register their concerns about other issues. (4) The suitability of majoritarian referendums in divided societies and other options including vetoes, power-sharing arrangements, and judicial review. (5) The conduct of referendums including framing the question and campaign finance. (6) The ‘demand’ and ‘supply’ factors that explain the recent growth of calling referendums. The research will be based on political economy methodology combining collective choice theories of the formation of the state, mechanisms for aggregation of individual preferences, checks and balances, accountability of government, and may require statistical examination of the use of referendums in different countries. |
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.
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.
This project is funded by:
Our fully funded PhD 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.
These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.
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.
Atkinson, L. Blick, A and Qvortrup M. 2020. The referendum in Britain. A history. Oxford: Oxford University Press Cronin, T. 1989. Direct Democracy: The Politics of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Landemore, H. 2020. Open Democracy: Reinventing Popular Rule for the Twenty-First Century. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Matsusaka, J.G. 2004. For the Many or the Few: The Initiative, Public Policy, and American Democracy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Mueller, D.C. 2003. Public Choice III. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Tierney, S. 2012. Constitutional Referendums. The Theory and Practice of Republican Deliberation. Oxford, Oxford University Press Tridimas, G. 2010. Referendum and the choice between monarchy and republic in Greece. Constitutional Political Economy, 21(2), 119–144. Tridimas, G. 2007. Ratification through referendum or parliamentary vote: When to call a non required referendum? European Journal of Political Economy, 23(3), 674–692. Tsebelis, G. 2002. Veto players: How political institutions work. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. |
Submission deadline
Monday 24 February 2025
04:00PM
Interview Date
week commencing 31 March 2025
Preferred student start date
15th September 2025
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