Project Title: Reinventing the future of financial technologies with autistic adults
City, University of London – Department of Computer Science
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: London
Funding for: UK and Overseas Students
Funding amount:
Full coverage of tuition fees and an initial annual tax-free stipend of £19,668/year
Hours: Full Time
Closes: 15 August 2023
Applications are invited for a Research at the frontiers of Practice PhD studentship in the Department of Computer Science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on the design of financial technologies in collaboration with autistic adults and through participatory design methods.
The introduction of digital technologies into personal money management has unintended and sometimes adverse consequences for citizens. These exacerbate financial exclusion and affect disproportionally those who struggle financially or find themselves in vulnerable circumstances. This PhD will research how the downsides of digitising personal finance could be tackled through design, through participatory design methods and in collaboration with autistic adults. Given the challenging life and financial circumstances of autistic adults, it is important to assess whether existing financial technologies and services are suitable for their needs and preferences, and whether they are resulting in stigmatising or discriminatory treatment. Collaborating with autistic adults will yield diverse and innovative perspectives to critically assess the current state of financial technologies and push the boundaries of their design.
Eligibility and requirements
The candidate should have an upper second-class BSc/BEng/MEng (or equivalent, or higher) degree in Computer Science, Design, Sociology, Anthropology or Psychology. They should demonstrate aptitude for original research.
Funding
- Funding available for UK, EU and international students for 3 years.
- Full-time students receive a maintenance grant currently of £19,668 per annum that will rise in line with UKRI stipends. Home and Oversea tuition fees are also paid.
- In addition to resources within the Schools, project/consumable costs of £1500 are provided
- The application and selection process is run through the School you apply to and involves senior academic staff from the relevant disciplines
Additional income: Each student may also have the opportunity to earn around £2.200/year on an average (max. is around £4.300/year) through a teaching assistantship.
The candidate should possess a good understanding of digital technologies, design and human-computer interaction. Ideally, the successful candidate should have proven skills in design research and qualitative research methods.
A doctoral candidate is expected to meet the following pre-requisites:
- Sound knowledge of their research area
- Significant depth in a few chosen sub-areas relevant to their primary research area
- Ability to conduct independent research, including critical assessment of their own and others’ research
Informal enquiries can be sent to Belén Barros Pena [email protected]
How to apply
Online applications should be submitted by clicking the ‘Apply’ button, above
For queries regarding the application process, please contact [email protected]
City, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors.
We welcome applications regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, pregnancy, race and ethnic origin, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. City operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.