Community-Centric Heritage Tourism and Post-Industrial Regeneration: A Participatory Study in Scotland (VC2602)

About the Project

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research.

This PhD project explores the role of community-centric heritage tourism in supporting post-industrial regeneration, local empowerment, and sustainable tourism development in Scotland.

The research will examine how industrial heritage can be mobilised through tourism in ways that benefit local communities, strengthens place identity, and contributes to long-term community resilience. Heritage tourism is often promoted as a tool for economic growth; however, its benefits are not always evenly distributed, and local communities are frequently marginalised in decision-making processes. This project takes a critical, place-based approach, investigating how tourism can be shaped by and for communities rather than external actors. It will explore key issues including governance, participation, cultural representation, and the distribution of economic and social benefits.

Using qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, the research will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, local businesses, heritage sites, cultural organisations, and policymakers. Through this engagement, the project aims to generate empirically grounded insights into the opportunities and challenges of community-led heritage tourism in post-industrial contexts.

The project is aligned with the University of the West of Scotland’s strategic priorities in sustainable development and community transformation and contributes to ongoing research within the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events (CCSE). The successful candidate will become an active member of CCSE (https://ccse.uws.ac.uk/), contributing to its vibrant and collaborative research environment. The project will also inform a developing REF 2029 Impact Case Study on “Building Resilient Tourism Communities.”This PhD offers the opportunity to contribute to both academic debates and real-world policy and practice, working closely with established partners such as local partners, VisitScotland, and heritage organisations.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a motivated and intellectually curious candidate with a strong academic background and a clear interest in community-engaged research. The ideal candidate will be committed to producing high-quality research with both academic and real-world impact. Given the nature of the project, the candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, local organisations, and policymakers. The project involves extensive qualitative fieldwork and direct engagement, and therefore requires a candidate who is approachable, adaptable, and capable of building trust, establishing relationships, and developing meaningful networks. Strong organisational skills, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

Essential:

• A First-Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. Tourism, Cultural Studies, Geography, Sociology, Heritage Studies, or related fields).
• Demonstrated interest in heritage tourism within a post-industrial context, community development, and/or sustainable development.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to engage with academic literature.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in qualitative research methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and qualitative data analysis).
• Eagerness to undertake community-engaged research.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong organisational skills and the capacity to manage time effectively and meet deadlines

Desirable:

• Master’s degree with Distinction in a relevant subject area.
• Evidence of previous academic publications (e.g. journal articles, book chapters, or conference papers).
• Experience of working with or engaging with community or stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of post-industrial contexts, heritage, or tourism policy.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language requirements.

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain

For more information or to discuss the project informally, please contact: Dr Masood Khodadadi, Reader in Tourism Development Studies. Email: masood.khodadadi@uws.ac.uk.

Application Deadline: 15th June 2026

Programme Start Date: 1st October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place during with week commencing 24th August 2026. Interviews will be conducted in person.

Applications must be made via the UWS Online System.

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD Studentship and includes payment of tuition fees for 36 months at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (£21,805pa from 01/10/2026).

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain