PhD Study : ​​IASP2019 Legacy PhD in Suicide Prevention​

Summary

Background literature and outline of the project:

In 2019 the World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention was held in Derry-Londonderry. The congress was sponsored by Ulster University and the Western Health and Social Care Trust. As part of the legacy of the conference the two organisations are now in a position to offer a full time funded PhD studentship (fees and bursary) to undertake a programme of research with the aim of informing suicide prevention activities in the region.

Examples of appropriate topics include: factors affecting suicide in specific age groups, suicide prevention in mental health services, suicidal behaviour in young people, resilience and early intervention, beliefs and attitudes towards suicide, safe discussion of suicide online, interventions for suicidal ideation and self harm.

Applicant must have: At least a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant social or health sciences discipline.

Research experience, including obtaining ethical approval, data collection, and qualitative or quantitative analysis. We particularly welcome applicants with experience in working on this topic, either in a professional (including expert by experience) capacity.

Applicants should submit:

• A proposal of not more than 1000 words outlining the research programme they would be interested in undertaking if successful. The proposal should be for a three year project and should include a brief literature review and rationale for the research, the aims and objectives of the research programme, and the methods.
• A statement (1000 words max) outlining how their academic and/or professional experience fits with the research programme outlined.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Copy of undergraduate or Masters dissertation.

The project will be overseen by a steering group comprising Professor Rory O’Connor, Barry McGale, colleagues from the Western Health and Social Care Trust, and experts by experience.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Western Health and Social Care Trust

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £16,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).