Emerging Scholars Council
PhD Studentship in Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Work: Exploring Legal and HR Blind Spots
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College of Business and Law at the University of the West of England in Bristol
PhD Studentship in Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Work
Start date: 1st October 2026
Work-related sexual harassment is rarely recognised as gender-based violence and is often minimised as an occupational hazard or unfavourable treatment, even when it involves unwanted physical contact that would constitute sexual assault outside the workplace. Legislative responses reflect this fragmentation, with workplace sexual harassment falling into civil employment law and the employment tribunal system rather than the criminal justice system, where complaints of gender-based violence outside of the workplace are likely to be heard. Responsibility for prevention and response usually falls to HR managers who, while trained in employment law, may lack the expertise to recognise when harassment becomes sexual assault. Trade union representatives often provide partial support, focusing on procedures rather than survivor-centred, trauma-informed safeguarding. Consequently, such cases may be handled through inappropriate grievance and disciplinary processes, with limited sanctions for third-party perpetrators and remedies that have historically included non-disclosure agreements that silence victims and may push them out of employment.
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We are looking to appoint a PhD student to research the legal, HR policy, and practice 'blind spots' when sexual harassment at work crosses the boundary to sexual assault. We invite research proposals exploring gender-based violence at work with a mix of methods including documentary analysis (e.g., court reports, police reports, sexual harassment policies) and interviews (e.g., with HR managers, trade unions, and, possibly, survivors). The research will focus on the UK, though proposals adopting a comparative perspective are welcome.
Funding Details
- Studentship: Available from 1st October 2026 for 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress.
- Stipend: £21,805 p.a. (tax-exempt).
- Fees: Full-time home/international fees.
Eligibility Criteria
- Degree: At least 2.1 degree in human resources management, criminal/employment law, criminology, or a cognate discipline, and preferably a Masters degree (average programme mark no less than 65%, UK grading scale or international equivalent).
- English Language: IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent.
Application
Research Proposal:
- Length: Maximum 5 pages all-inclusive; font size 11, 1.5-spacing, 2-inch margins.
- Contents: Research context/rationale, literature review, research questions, proposed methodology, expected contribution of the project.
- Consultation: Development of research proposal should happen in consultation with the potential supervisor. Contact the potential supervisor with an advanced draft of the proposal to confirm their willingness to support your application.
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Submission:
- Online: Postgraduate Research: Bristol Business School - PhD - UWE Bristol: Courses
- Reference Number: 2627-OCT-CBL02
Documentation:
- Upload research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application.
References:
- Provide details of two referees. At least one must be an academic from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Ensure your nominated referees are able to provide references within 14 days of your application.
Application Deadline: 16th August 2026; 6pm (UK)
Further Information
- Interviews: Online in late August.
- Outcome Notification: If you have not heard from us by 25 August 2026 – thank you for your application, on this occasion you have not been successful.
Queries:
- Studentship: Contact Paweł Capik; pawel.capik@uwe.ac.uk
- Project Proposal: Contact Stefano Gasparri; stefano.gasparri@uwe.ac.uk
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