Internship Opportunity: Research into EDI, Social Media and Broadening Participation in Outdoors Activities (current Northumbria students only)

Role Description: This research project will undertake a qualitative study of the growing number of on /offline communities promoting broadened participation in outdoors activities, through social media platforms such as Instagram. At first glance, these accounts appear to be successful in breaking down perceived barriers and increasing participation, something we hope to uncover as part of this research. Furthermore, by better understanding their motivations, use, and struggles of running and maintaining these communities, we hope to better understand how to support them and thus increase participation in these activities.
The successful candidate will work alongside the research supervisor, Daniel Harrison, to prepare, conduct and analyse qualitative data collection related to inclusive on /offline communities promoting broadened participation in outdoors activities. Specifically, this will include activities such as: completing a review of online materials, to help guide interviews; preparing for, and interviewing influences, community owners, and participants; and finally, analysing and writing up findings.

Hours per week: 7.4
Total number of hours: 100  

Specification:  
I am open to applications from candidates from any disciplinary background, though it is likely that students from the social sciences, psychology and design will be best equipped to undertake this role.
It is essential that the candidate has an interest in the research topic. The ideal candidate will also have experience and knowledge of independently conducting and analysing qualitative research, particularly online reviews and interviews. It is also essential that the candidate has an interest and knowledge of EDI issues and challenges, and discuss these with participants.
It would also be desirable for the candidate to have experience of conducting research with participants from a broad range of different backgrounds; to have interest or experience in the use of social media and online communities; and finally, an interest and knowledge of outdoors activities such as those mentioned in the job description.

Development:  
The project will provide the successful candidate to gain hands-on experience of conducting academic research, and apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom to real-world problems and projects. The student will be closely mentored and guided by multidisciplinary researchers, providing an opportunity for them to experience and work with those outside of their programme and field, and also have the chance to develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, which are highly sought after by employers.
  
Mentoring and Support:  
You will be supported in this role by Dr Daniel Harrison, Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow in the School of Design, who is leading this research, and Dr Emma Boocock, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching, who will also act as a mentor for the successful candidate. The internship will be situated in the CoCreate research community the School of Design, which includes multiple researchers working on similar topics. The School of Design also houses the Design Feminisms research group.