PhD Study : Physical activity, its maintenance and promotion in people with severe mental illness

Summary

Background:

People with severe mental health problems, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can have higher risk of some health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Because of their mental health symptoms and medications, they may find it difficult to be active and can spend more time sitting, which can increase these health risks. Little is known about physical activity levels and support to engage in physical activity for people with mental health problems living in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This PhD research project is linked to another research study called the Walking for Health (WORtH) study. The WORtH study included an intervention to support people with mental health conditions to move more and sit less.

Purpose:

The purpose of this PhD research project is to understand the current physical activity levels of people living with these health conditions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This research will also assess ways of supporting people with mental health conditions to be more active. This will include understanding what is currently being done in mental health services to promote physical activity, and what works best to support people to continue being active longer-term.

Methods:

The research methods will be developed based on a literature review. Information will be collected from people living with mental health conditions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to understand their current physical activity levels. Information will be collected from mental health services staff in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to understand physical activity promotion available to people with mental health difficulties. The PhD researcher may collect information from participants who were involved in the WORtH study to understand which aspects of the intervention were linked with continuing to be active after the intervention ended.

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.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living