PhD Studentship in Developing a social media intervention to increase awareness and understanding of psoriasis and reduce misconceptions: A mixed-methods project using co-production with adults with psoriasis

An opportunity to apply for a Psoriasis Association funded full-time PhD at the Centre for Appearance Research in the College of Health, Science and Society, UWE Bristol.

The expected start date of this studentship is 01 October 2023

The closing date for applications is 07 July 2023.

Studentship Details

This is an exciting opportunity to conduct a PhD on the topic of using social media to increase awareness of the skin condition psoriasis within the general population and reduce misconceptions and negative attitudes towards it. The successful candidate will benefit from the opportunities presented by being part of a thriving internationally known university research centre (the Centre for Appearance Research, CAR www.uwe.ac.uk/car).

The studentship is funded the Psoriasis Association, a leading national charity which raises awareness of psoriasis and provides information and support to individuals who are affected by the condition (https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/). The supervisory team will include Dr Ella Guest, Professor Diana Harcourt, and Dr Amy Slater who have extensive experience in the field.

Individuals with psoriasis face challenges due to negative experiences relating to their condition (e.g., staring, unwanted questions, misconceptions). Charities require evidence-based tools to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions. This PhD aims to better understand these experiences through qualitative interviews and develop an evidence-informed social media intervention, in collaboration with people with psoriasis.

The precise details of the PhD will be finalised by the successful student, who will be supported to identify a unique focus to the research, using appropriate methodology. 

This PhD will also offer an excellent training opportunity to develop the specific research skills and expertise of an early career researcher.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Ella Guest Ella.Guest@uwe.ac.uk

 Funding details

The studentship is available from 01 October 2023 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which will be £18,622 (2023/24) per annum. 

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

Eligibility

This three-year, full-time commitment is ideal for a self-motivated and enthusiastic student with a good honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) in psychology, and evidence of further study at Masters level or equivalent (e.g., MSc health psychology, clinical psychology). Knowledge and experience of the psychology of appearance and body image and qualitative and quantitative research methods, and an interest in social media and skin conditions will be highly desirable. 

The studentship is open to citizens in the UK.  A recognised English language qualification is required.

Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts, and a recognised English language qualification.

The research proposal needs to clearly outline the research questions, the relevant research literature, your proposed research methods and how your research will contribute to knowledge in your field and should be a maximum of four sides of A4.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is 07 July 2023.

Further Information

Interviews will take place on Friday 28^th July 2023.

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