Call for PhD Projects in Gender, Violence, Migration & Borders – Apply Before 11 July 2025

The University of Melbourne invites expressions of interest for PhD projects focusing on the intersections of gendered violence, migration, and border policies. This initiative is part of a broader research agenda funded by the Australian Research Council, aiming to explore how migration systems contribute to gendered violence and to develop strategies for enhancing migrant and refugee women’s safety.

Project Overview

The proposed PhD projects will investigate the complex dynamics between migration, borders, and gendered violence. Researchers will examine how migration policies and border controls impact women’s experiences of violence, with a particular focus on migrant and refugee populations. This research seeks to contribute to the development of policies and practices that better protect women from gendered violence in the context of migration.

Research Themes

Potential research topics include, but are not limited to:

• The role of border policies in facilitating or mitigating gendered violence.
• Experiences of migrant and refugee women with temporary visa statuses and their vulnerability to violence.
• The impact of detention and deportation policies on women’s safety and well-being.
• Comparative analyses of gendered violence in different migration contexts.
• The effectiveness of legal and social interventions in protecting migrant and refugee women from violence.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a relevant academic background in criminology, sociology, gender studies, law, or a related field.
• Demonstrate experience with research methodologies, either qualitative or quantitative.
• Possess strong time and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Exhibit the capacity to produce research reports or publications to a high standard.
• Show the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Meet the entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts at the University of Melbourne, including English language proficiency.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Professor Marie Segrave at [email protected] by 11 July 2025. The EOI should include:

• A one-page research proposal outlining the proposed project.
• A current CV highlighting relevant academic achievements and professional experience, including the names of two academic referees.
• Academic transcripts showing detailed information of the individual marks received in university-level qualifications to date.
• A sample of academic writing, such as an honours or master’s thesis or a peer-reviewed journal article.

Scholarship Opportunities

Applicants will be automatically considered for a range of scholarships. Additional scholarships may require a separate application. More information about available scholarships can be found on the University of Melbourne’s scholarships page.

Project Details

• Anticipated Start Date: 23 February 2026
• Offered by: School of Social and Political Sciences (D), Faculty of Arts
• Supervision Team:
  • Professor Marie Segrave (Principal Supervisor)
  • Dr Shih Joo Tan (Internal Co-supervisor)
• Fields of Research:
  • 4402 Criminology
  • 4405 Gender Studies
  • 4410 Sociology

About the Supervisors

Professor Marie Segrave is a leading researcher in the fields of migration, gendered violence, and border policies. She has conducted extensive studies on the experiences of migrant and refugee women, focusing on how migration systems contribute to their vulnerability to violence. Dr Shih Joo Tan is an expert in gender studies and sociology, with a research focus on the intersections of migration, gender, and violence.

Further Information

For more details about the PhD program and application process, please visit the University of Melbourne’s official website. For inquiries, contact Professor Marie Segrave at [email protected].

This research initiative offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of how migration and border policies intersect with gendered violence and to develop strategies for improving the safety and well-being of migrant and refugee women.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding institution. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding institution directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.