EPSRC PhD Studentship: Immersive Augmented Reality (AR) Experience Design to Improve Mental Health and Reduce Depression for NHS Staff and Patients

The School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University is offering a full-time PhD studentship funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to start in March 2024. The studentship includes a tuition fee waiver and an annual stipend currently set at £19,237. The duration of the studentship is 3.5 years.

The School consists of the Department of Psychology, the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies, and Edinburgh Business School. Our world-leading research in psychology is based around the Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences. Research students have access to a range of training and other activities supported by the School, and through the University’s Research Futures Academy. We are looking to recruit a high-quality PhD candidate for the project titled “Immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experience design to improve mental health and reduce depression for NHS staff and patients”. 

Summary of project

This proposed research focuses on how augmented reality (AR) as a tool could be used in the process of improving mental health among the healthcare workforce and adults in the community or acute settings experiencing depression. Depression remains a prevalent and pressing issue both within communities and the workplace. It affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, significantly impacting their quality of life and productivity. In communities, the stigma surrounding mental health often hinders individuals from seeking help, exacerbating the problem. Within the workplace, depression can lead to decreased performance, absenteeism, and strained relationships with colleagues. Moreover, the demands of modern work environments, such as long hours, high stress, and limited work-life balance, can contribute to the development and exacerbation of depression among employees. NHS staff in particular experience long hours, stressful events and high workload which can lead to burnout. This research sets out to examine whether utilizing AR technology could help NHS staff and patients with depression to remain at or return to work. This proposal attempts to explore the potential of creative AR interventions balancing perspectives from psychology, design and healthcare.

Supervisory Team

Dr. Mel McKendrick (Associate Professor in Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Edinburgh)

Dr. Theodore Lim (Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Edinburgh)

Dr. Joatan Preis Dutra (Assistant Professor in Design, School of Textiles and Design, Borders)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to get in touch with Dr Mel McKendrick at M.McKendrick@hw.ac.uk for an informal discussion prior to submitting their application.

Entry Criteria and Application

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of 2:1 in Psychology or a closely-related field. A Master’s degree in Design, Engineering or Computing Science is desirable. In addition, candidates for whom English is a second language should meet the University’s minimum English-language requirements. If you have not already studied a degree programme that was taught and examined in the medium of English, the minimum overall IELTS score is 6.5 with no score lower than 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Applications for more than one project from the same candidate will be considered.

Please note that possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee shortlisting for interview.

Candidates should apply for a full-time psychology PhD at the Edinburgh campus via www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm. When completing the online application form, please indicate that you are applying to the ‘SoSS EPSRC PhD scholarship’ in the field that asks how you will fund your studies.

Applicants should supply:

1. A full Curriculum Vitae.
2. Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded. If you are currently pursuing a degree course please provide all available marks to date. If your degree is from a non-UK institution, please provide evidence of the UK equivalency of your qualification.
3. A brief covering letter outlining why you want to study for a PhD at Heriot-Watt University, and what makes you an excellent candidate.
4. An outline research proposal (max. 1500 words). This should clearly identify how the proposed research question and modes of inquiry align with your chosen project area.

Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. Zoom or similar). Interview support for those with disabilities will be available where required (e.g. a BSL interpreter).

If you have any general queries about the applications process, please contact soss.pgradmissions@hw.ac.uk

At Heriot-Watt University we understand that being diverse makes us better which is why we support a culture of respect and equal opportunity, and value diversity at the heart of what we do. We want to increase the diversity of our workplace to underpin a dynamic and creative environment and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Heriot-Watt is committed to giving access and opportunities to student carers, and received the Going Higher for Student Carers Recognition Award from Carers Trust Scotland in 2020.