Topic: Distance Learning PhD Research Opportunities

[Rachel B-K]

Dear All,

My name is Dr. Rachel Bolton-King and I am a UK university lecturer in Forensic Investigation with specialisms in forensic firearms identification, ballistics and imaging.

I wanted to make the AFTE community aware that I am currently seeking individuals who are interested in applying to undertake a PhD offered in any area of forensic firearms and toolmarks examination, identification, ballistics or GSR analysis.

This is a self-funded PhD research opportunity, which can start at your convenience in 2014/2015. The PhD will be awarded by Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent, UK) on completion, although the research itself can be undertaken wherever in the world you are currently based. There is no requirement to come to the UK during the research period.

As this is a self-funded opportunity, you are at liberty to identify the specific novel research project/question that you wish to investigate, as long as it meets the PhD requirements. Upon application you will be required to submit a 1 page research proposal to detail the research you intend to undertake; however, I would be very happy to discuss this with you prior to application.

If your application and interview is successful, I will act as your primary supervisor throughout the PhD, but you will also need to have the support of an individual (located near to you) who already has a PhD and is willing to act as a secondary local supervisor during your research. This individual could be an academic at a local university or another practitioner for example.

PhD award regulations can be read at https://www.staffs.ac.uk/assets/research_degrees_regs_tcm44-26761.pdf and application forms can be downloaded from http://www.staffs.ac.uk/postgradform/index.jsp.

Please e-mail/message me if you are interested in obtaining any more information (including annual fees) and/or would like to discuss the suitability of a potential research project.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Rachel