PhD Study : The Impact of the Transition to Further and Higher Education on Health-behaviours (Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour)

Summary

Physical inactivity and excessive sedentary behaviour (SB) are established risk factors for various health conditions. Declining physical activity (PA) participation coincides with key transition periods across the life cycle, including the move to Higher Education (HE). Data from international studies has indicated low levels of PA in higher level students, with evidence suggesting students become more inactive as they progress through HE.

Unfavourable changes in other health-related behaviours, including diet and screen-time, have been observed in student populations. There is a need for interventions that promote positive health-behaviours in students, given the negative impacts of current trends on health, and other outcomes including lifelong health-behaviour trends. HE settings represent a fruitful environment for the promotion of PA and other health-behaviours, drawing on existing facilities, resources, and personnel.

HE students are a growing population, with 79% of school-leavers progressing to HE, and the way students engage in HE has changed in recent years. An increase in remote learning, coupled with fewer students choosing to relocate for study, may impact on levels of PA and SB. In addition, research has shown student PA levels have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Given the links between PA and SB on physical and mental health, it is important to understand the current prevalence of PA and SB in this population, and to evaluate the potential of interventions to positively influence behaviours.

This project aims to examine current levels of PA and SB in HE students and identify the influences on these behaviours. The project will involve:

1.  Scoping review of PA and SB in students.

2.  Cross-sectional study to explore current PA and SB in students.

3.  Co-design study to identify the needs and expectations of stakeholders, to design and assess the feasibility of a student-focused intervention to increase PA and reduce SB.

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

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