Deadline: 05/07/2010
Open to: 1st or 2nd degree in psychology or health studies
Fund: £12,300
The University of Worcester and the Worcester Public Health Directorate offer a PhD Studentship: Alcohol Use in Middle Aged Adults
Although the level of alcohol use in the middle/old aged population has been estimated there is
little evidence on the attitudes of such a group towards alcohol, drinking and the potential public
health messages. In response to this increased prevalence, interventions aimed at changing
drinking behaviour have been developed although these have been rather parsimonious in their
approach and reach.
The purpose of this cross sectional study is to examine alcohol consumption in middle and late
adulthood. Specifically to establish:
a) level of consumption of alcohol in the target populations;
b) to explore views and attitudes towards drinking in both middle aged and older adults;
c) to explore any potential differences between rural and urban areas for both levels of consumption and views
and attitudes regarding drinking alcohol and
d) develop, deliver and evaluate potential public health interventions for such a population.
Eligibility
Qualifications needed
Candidates will be expected to have suitable academic qualifications but additional specialised
training will be available as required.
Essential:
- Applicants should have (or expect to receive) a First or Upper Second Honours Degree in psychology, health studies or closely related and relevant discipline;
- Proficiency in oral and written English;
- Computer literacy;
- Ability to organise and meet deadlines;
- Good interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work independently and contribute to a team;
- Commitment and an enthusiastic approach to completing a higher research degree
- Experience in the use of non-invasive analytical techniques (e.g. G.I.S.; geophysics)
- Interest in public health and/or health psychology;
Desirable:
- Education to Masters Degree level in public health, health psychology or related discipline;
- Knowledge of the public health or health psychology interventions;
- Full UK Driving Licence.
It is an expectation that the successful candidate will participate fully in the activities of the Institute of
and gain additional experience in the teaching and research environment of the University.
The studentship
Facilities
This research studentship is funded by the University of Worcester (UK) and the Public
Health Directorate. During your time at Worcester, you will be provided with your own computer and
an office space, which you will normally share with other full-time research students. Your office will
normally be located in the Institute of Health and Society, Department of Psychology.
The Institute of Health & Society has expertise in
health and well being, nursing, midwifery, nutritional therapy, psychology, social welfare, social work,
sports therapy and paramedic science. It is based at the Henwick Grove campus. The department
has resources and links with local services that will enhance the research studies.
Bursary
You will receive a tax free bursary of £12,300 for a period of 3 years plus an expenses
budget. Fees will be paid in full at the UK/EU rate for home and EU citizens.
The Interview
All successful applicants will be interviewed. The interview normally lasts around 3 hours in total and includes a meeting with the
project supervisor(s), a chance to talk to some of our full-time students and an opportunity to view
the campus and Institutional facilities. You will be asked to make a short presentation on a piece of
research you have previously undertaken. There is also an opportunity to present the supervisory
team with an example of your written work (e.g. an independent study/assignment) at the interview.
Widening Participation:
As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening
participation for its higher degrees and it can also accept applications from candidates with relevant
professional qualifications and work related experience.
Application
Applicants should apply on the application form (.doc) and return this by the 5th of July to the Graduate Research School either by post or email to research@worc.ac.uk
For more information, click here or go to the official website.