Application(s) are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship(s) starting in September 2025 affiliated to the School of English, Media & Creative Arts at the University of Galway.
University of Galway
Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Detailed Project Description
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a PhD as part of a Research Ireland funded project investigating the gender balance of opera in Ireland. The project, entitled Knowing the Score: An Analysis of the Gender Balance of Opera Productions on the Island of Ireland (2000-25) assesses the gender balance of the key creative and leadership roles for Irish opera productions from 2000-25. This includes a range of leadership roles such as: producer, composer, stage manager, conductor, director, set designer, costume designer, and sound designer. In addition, the project will examine the experiences of women in Irish opera and the barriers they encounter in their career development. The outputs of this research will include a series of articles in high impact journals and a series of ready-to-implement research-informed equality initiatives. Ultimately, this research will stimulate sustainable and systemic changes in Irish opera, thus enriching creativity and culture.
The PhD candidate will play an important role in theproject working collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Michael Lydon, and the project Mentor, Dr Ann-Marie Hanlon. The successful candidate can avail of excellent training and travel opportunities. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to gain mentored teaching experience. Dr Michael Lydon and Dr Ann-Marie Hanlon will co-supervise the doctoral research.
The PhD student will begin in September 2025 and may be from a media, music, culture, performance, or other related background with interests in issues surrounding gender identity, representation, and mediation. The PhD student will be expected to create an original research-led thesis which contextualises topics related to the project on gender in Irish opera. The PhD will follow the University of Galway’s structured course of study and research for the degree of PhD. Throughout the four years of doctoral study, the candidate will engage in ongoing PhD professional development and support workshops (virtual and in person).
The post will also provide the opportunity to develop a range of highly transferable skills, including policy translation, stakeholder engagement, public communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and project management — all of which are relevant for academic careers as well as roles in the public, non-profit, and media sectors.
The successful candidate will be based in the Section of Music, within the School of English, Media and Creative Arts at the University of Galway. In the QS World University Rankings, the University of Galway is ranked in the top 100 in the in the field of Performing Arts.
The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant research community and will be supported by Research Ireland and by the College Research Office (CRO) within the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies (CASSCS). The CRO, based in the Hardiman Research Building, is host to a community of researchers at all levels, PhD, postdoctoral, and experienced researchers. The CRO provides support to approximately 150 PhD students; 30 postdoctoral researchers; and approximately 10 international visiting scholars. The candidate will also have access to the Researcher Development Centre, which supports researcher training, researcher career development and the integration of researchers into University of Galway’s community.
Living allowance (Stipend): €25,000 per annum [tax-exempt scholarship award] over four years. Computer equipment and funding for travel (e.g. to conferences), as well as attendance at international summer schools will be provided in addition to the stipend.
University fees: Funding support is in place for 4 years of fees.
Start date: September 2025.
Academic Entry Requirements: MA/MSc/MPhil in any of the following areas: Musicology; Opera Studies; Theatre Studies; Gender Studies; Ethnomusicology; Media and Communications; or a related area to at least a high 2:1 standard. Other evidence that signifies suitability for the programme (e.g. demonstrated interest in opera, music industries and/or gender representation research).
Essential Selection Criteria
* Completed Master’s degree to honours 2:1 standard (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant area Or near completed Master’s level degree with evidence of a high 2:1 standard average (evidence will be sought should candidate be shortlisted)
Knowledge of the Irish opera scene Evidence of an ability to carry out independent research Highly self-motivated Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Please see link for details entry requirements Desirable Selection Criteria
* Professional experience in opera or relevant cultural industry Knowledge of international opera scene(s) Some knowledge of the Irish language
To Apply for the Scholarship: Email a cover letter (max 2,300 words) and CV with TWO references in one PDF File with your name toann-marie.hanlon@universityofgalway.ie
The cover letter should include the following information:
1. Details of your previous research experience Personal statement on your motivation for pursuing a PhD on this research topic Academic awards or scholarships received Please provide any other relevant information.
TWO written academic references with full contact details must be supplied. References listed as ‘available on request’ will not be accepted.
Contact Name: Dr Ann-Marie Hanlon and Dr Michael Lydon
Contact Email: ann-marie.hanlon@universityofgalway.ie
Application Deadline: midnight04 /08 / 2025 (Irish time). Interviews will be held within 10 days following the application deadline.
Primary Supervisor name: Dr Michael Lydon
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