Funding for the Executive Dean’s PhD Studentship in Experience-Based Co-Design for Effective Physical Activity Interventions With Working Age Adults Living With Multiple Long-Term Conditions

The team of Dr Hunt, Dr Nolan, Prof Norris, and Dr Bailey at Brunel University London is offering a fully funded PhD studentship to co-design a physical activity intervention for working-age adults living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC). Based in and funded by the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £21,237 (including London weighting) and Home tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months.

The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers.

The start date will be 1^st October 2024.

Overview

MLTC is the co-existence of two or more chronic conditions. In the UK, the majority of people living with MLTC are less than 65 years old, with 2.5 million people out of paid work due to MLTC.

Physical activity is an effective intervention for managing MLTC, but there is limited research in working-age populations. Increased physical activity levels in working-age people with MLTCs may be related to remaining in and/or returning to paid work.

This studentship will explore and understand the experiences of physical activity in diverse working-age adults living with MLTCs, and use experience-based co-design to develop an inclusive physical activity intervention to support this group to live well. The studentship will address this using rigorous qualitative methodologies, including creative co-production methods.

The successful candidate will be supervised by leading experts in this field:

• Dr Emily Hunt
• Dr Claire Nolan
• Professor Meriel Norris
• with developmental support provided by Dr Daniel Bailey

For informal discussions about this studentship, please contact Dr Emily Hunt (Emily.Hunt@brunel.ac.uk).

Eligibility

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in health, physiotherapy, sport science, behavioural science, psychology or a related subject. A Masters qualification in a relevant area and/or previous experience in qualitative methodologies or creative research methods would be desirable but not essential. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk  by 10^th June 2024.

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
• A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing 1^st July 2024.

For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Programmes Office on chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk.

Advert information