Using an occupational justice perspective, explore hope within marginalised groups (HHS-2026-31)

About the project

About the Project This MSc research fee waiver project is funded by the University of Huddersfield. It is ideal for occupational therapists who want to progress their career developing research skills and with a keen interest in occupational and social justice. The aim of this research is to explore how hope is experienced and understood within marginalised groups, and how it relates to occupational identity. Examination of how hope is interpreted, enacted and adapted within the population and context is expected. This will support conceptual insights to inform social justice and equitable occupational therapy practice with diverse marginalised groups. Hope has been identified to be an important factor in occupational participation with some marginalised groups. This project in the field of occupational therapy and occupational science considers hope in relation to occupational identity and whether this is transferable to other marginalised groups. This further exploration of how hope and related concepts may help to explain how individuals understand and participate in meaningful occupation during adversity. This is of importance to support equitable occupational therapy practice and enhance theoretical tools for working with diverse and marginalised groups. There is the potential to explore this concept in marginalised groups such as homelessness, survivors of domestic abuse, care leavers, long-term unemployment, neurodivergent adults facing social exclusion, and/or LGBTQ+adults. The specific population will be selected in collaboration with the student to ensure feasibility. This is an emerging area of occupational therapy and science and therefore will offer an opportunity to contribute and influence this evolving field. This will support and inform the ongoing transformation and delivery of health and social care services as they progress towards community delivery, inclusivity and individualisation in line with government and global agendas. We anticipate that this research will follow a qualitative methodology to support in-depth exploration of lived experience, meaning making and social processes. For subject specific enquiries please contact: V.Barry@hud.ac.uk We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application. Type of Award: MSc by Research Eligibility: Applications are open to UK applicants only ; ideally with a First-Class Honours degree. Location: Huddersfield/Online Funding: Fee waiver Duration: 1 years full-time / 2 years part-time Application Details To apply please submit the documents listed below to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk in full by Friday 30 th October 2026 , including the following documents: A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for. A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/ Full CV Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications. Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by Friday 6 th November 2026). Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Research areas