PhD Study : How can we encourage adolescents to sit less and move more? Developing and feasibility testing a school-based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour.

Summary

Levels of sedentary behaviour have increased over the last decade and are thought to be due to an increased use of computers, smartphones, and social media. High levels of sedentary behaviour among adolescents is a public health concern as sedentary behaviour is associated with obesity, reduced fitness, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It is estimated that adolescents are sedentary for approximately 70% of the school day and as children get older, sedentary time increases by 21min/day each year.

Schools are an excellent setting for health promotion as children spend 40% of their waking day at school, virtually all children attend, and often schools have the space, resources, and staff to deliver health promotion initiatives. To address concerning levels of sedentary behaviour effective, school-based interventions are required.

In addition to a systematic review of existing interventions, the current PhD project will consist of three distinct yet complementary studies:

Study 1: Understanding the factors affecting sedentary behaviour of adolescents: a mixed-methods evaluation.

The PhD researcher will measure levels of sedentary behaviour among post-primary pupils and discuss the perceptions, barriers, and strategies to reduce school-time sedentary behaviour.

Study 2: Do schools have a role to play in reducing sedentary behaviour? Stakeholder engagement and insights.  

This study aims to engage with key staff within school communities to understand the barriers towards reducing sedentary behaviour across the school day.

Study 3: Development and feasibility testing of a school-based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour among post-primary school pupils.

Based on the findings from the review and studies 1 and 2, the PhD researcher will develop, and feasibility test a novel intervention for post-primary school pupils.

Young people account for almost a quarter of the world’s population and reducing sedentary behaviour has the potential to deliver health benefits and improvements to the lives of thousands of children.

Please note that a copy of this project summary should be uploaded as ‘research proposal’ as part of your application.

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

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
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

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 £19,237 (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