Project Title: Trauma and Technology: Identifying Best Practice for Video-Recorded Interviews (VRIs) with Victims of Sexual Crimes
PhD Studentship: SIPR/R-LINCS2 funded. The Studentship is available for an October 2025 start.
A PhD studentship that comprises tax-free stipend of £20,780 (increasing in line with UKRI per annum) per year over 3 years and 3 months tuition fees paid, and a generous study package (e.g. limited research consumables, travel budget, and training when appropriate).
The pan-University Graduate School offers an integrated training programme to the postgraduate community within a single centre, serving to inculcate interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers.
Interviews are likely to be online in mid June.
Project Description: The use of Visually Recorded Interviews (VRIs) with adult victims of serious sexual crimes has gained prominence in recent years due to technological advancements and growing recognition of the importance of preserving testimony and minimising re-traumatisation. This PhD project will use mixed-methods to identify best practices for Video-Recorded Interviews (VRIs) with sexual offence victims. By closely working together with relevant stakeholders, such as Police Scotland and Victim Advocate Services, the project will test the optimal set-up and presentation of VRIs to achieve best outcomes for victims, while simultaneously ensuring that officers are adequately supported when conducting VRIs.
Supervisory Team: The candidate will be supervised within the Department of Sociological and Psychological Sciences by Dr Julie Gawrylowicz and Dr. Penny Woolnough. External Supervisors are Dr Karen Goodall from the University of Edinburgh and Professor Amina Memon from Royal Holloway, University of London. Queries on this project should be directed to Dr. Julie Gawrylowicz (julie.gawrylowicz@abertay.ac.uk).
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a first class or upper second-class honours degree in a BPS (or equivalent) accredited Psychology programme, or a closely aligned discipline. They should have experience conducting both qualitative (e.g., knowledge of interviews, thematic analysis, grounded theory, or IPA) and quantitative (e.g., experiments, surveys, skills in SPSS, R, or Python for analysis) studies. Candidates should be able to demonstrate strength in sensitive/empathic communication and show understanding of trauma-informed approaches and psychological impacts. Furthermore, they should demonstrate a strong grasp of designing ethically sound studies involving a potentially vulnerable population. Finally, they will have experience in writing reports and presenting findings to various audiences.
For applicants who are non-native speakers of English, the University requires IELTS of 7.0 (with no band less than 6.5) or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Home Office.
Applications and closing date: 28 of May 2025
If you believe you have the skills and experience for this exciting and challenging role, please submit your application by clicking apply online below.
If you are selected for interview you will be required to complete an online Research Student Application Form which includes the submission of a research proposal. Guidance on how to write the proposal can be found here: https://www.abertay.ac.uk/study-apply/how-to-apply/how-to-apply/
Abertay University was named The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2021. According to the results of the Research Excellence Framework 2021, Abertay recorded 60% of its research judged as 'internationally excellent' or 'world-leading', a 23% increase since the last REF2014 – the biggest climb of any Scottish university. Abertay was the first University in the world to offer a degree in games and was top ranked in Europe for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in 2019. The successful candidate will be based in the Department of Sociological and Psychological Sciences, a welcoming and stimulating place to study. In REF 2021 the Division was rated the best modern Scottish University for research (67% of outputs ‘internationally excellent/world-leading’). The PhD candidate will join a cohort of students from across the university in the Graduate School, accessing an extensive training and development programme underpinned by the Vitae Research Development Framework.
We hold an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze award and were the first Scottish university to achieve the Race Equality Charter Mark.
Entry requirements
Essential requirements:
Desirable requirements (but not essential)
First class or upper second-class honours degree in BPS accredited (or equivalent) Psychology, social/behavioural sciences, policing, counselling, mental health studies, social work.
Masters of science level qualification in a relevant discipline
Experience conducting both qualitative (e.g., knowledge of interviews, thematic analysis, grounded theory, or IPA) and quantitative (e.g., experiments, surveys, skills in SPSS, R, or Python for analysis) studies.
Familiarity with investigative interviewing and jury-decision making research.
Able to demonstrate strength in sensitive/empathic communication.
Prior work or volunteer experience with survivors (e.g., through NGOs, crisis centres, or helplines) and or with other vulnerable groups.
Experience in writing reports and presenting findings to various audiences
Demonstrate a strong grasp of designing ethically sound studies involving vulnerable populations.
Cultural awareness and the ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English, the University requires IELTS of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Home Office