PhD Studentship: Transnational Lives and Use of Prescribed and Traditional Medicines

University of Warwick and University of Birmingham 

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 14 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the University of Warwick, Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham. 

We are now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Joint Studentship between the University of Warwick (where the student will be registered) and the University of Birmingham to commence in October 2023. 

The project will focus on migrants in the UK and their lived experience of accessing healthcare, particularly medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) and traditional treatments. Many people may retain links to other healthcare systems (e.g. by continuing to consult their doctor) and informal health networks, while also being registered with a general practitioner (GP) in the UK. Migrants in the UK may access medications through family ‘back home’, migrant networks in the UK, and prescriptions provided by a GP overseas. Exploring these transnational medication practices and their uses is of practical importance since migrants often do not discuss these with statutory health care providers. The studentship aims to explore the personal level where medications and remedies are part of an everyday routine as well as the wider context of transnational networks and their interaction with statutory (NHS) care. 

The successful applicant will conduct a qualitative study with migrants (recruiting participants, conducting interviews and analysing data); in this, they will be guided by the interdisciplinary supervision team and given additional support and training by the Midlands Graduate School. 

Applicants should either have, or be studying for, a Masters level degree in a related health, social science or social policy subject (e.g. public health, medical sociology, migration studies, medical humanities). Practical experience in qualitative or ethnographic research is desirable. 

Current undergraduates are eligible to apply and would follow a 1+3 route including a Masters year.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Joint Studentship application form available online here. Please upload an anonymised CV and cover letter as part of the online application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references.

Application deadline: 23^rd February 2023

Interview date: 8^th March, afternoon, online

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research or Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, or University of Birmingham, Institute of Clinical Sciences prior to application can be directed to either Dr Deborah Biggerstaff D.L.Biggerstaff@warwick.ac.uk or Dr Antje Lindenmeyer: A.Lindenmeyer@bham.ac.uk.

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