Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
The Trauma Informed Practice Lab, situated in the School of Education, was established to increase research, collaboration, and understanding in the field of Trauma Informed Practice. The lab brings together researchers from across the university with a shared interest in working with children and young people, families, communities, organisations, services, and government agencies to prevent the incidence of trauma, respond to trauma and the events causing trauma, and improve outcomes for individuals and communities impacted by trauma.
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study has shown that 2 in 5 Australians experienced two or more types of child maltreatment, and that the top 6 most frequently experienced multi-type maltreatment combinations include exposure to domestic violence. This same research also found that each form of hardship (parental separation, family mental illness, family substance problems and family economic hardship) doubled the risk of multi-type maltreatment.
Complex trauma (multiple traumatic experiences, or trauma experienced over a prolonged period of time) experienced in childhood has detrimental impacts on the brain, learning and socio-moral development, the effects of which can last long into adulthood. The importance of understanding trauma and its impacts, responding appropriately, and resisting re-traumatisation has been emphasised in a growing body of research and in the development of practice in education, health, and community service settings.
We are looking to recruit HDR applicants with interests across a range of methodologies and themes, focusing on trauma and trauma informed practice and that have clear potential to influence change. Possible projects include, but are not limited to, trauma informed practice in educational and other child and youth focused settings, preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children and young people, teen intimate partner violence, and student (dis)engagement, in Tasmania and beyond.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applications are open to domestic students only
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Qualitative or mixed methods research experience; an understanding of trauma and trauma informed practice as it relates to education
- Working with Vulnerable People Card
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Drivers licence
- Previous research experience working with marginalised and vulnerable populations
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Carmel Hobbs to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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