The pelvic floor muscles are an important structural and functional component of the pelvis. There is evidence that pelvic floor exercise (PFE) for men is an effective means to strengthen local muscles and improve circulation. It is proposed that these and other effects of PFE could potentially be used to promote sexual health and well-being in men after treatment for prostate cancer. While there is some evidence exploring the effects of PFE on urinary function after surgery for prostate cancer, there is little evidence examining the effect of such exercise on sexual health and wellbeing. One of the challenges limiting adoption of this form of exercise is that there are few evidence based, comprehensive, PFE programs. Consequently, PFE is not widely utilized and where it is used, men often only receive limited verbal or written instructions on performing PFE exercises.
The proposed project will use a mixed methods approach and will include the following components:
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
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.
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.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM
Interview Date
20th or 21st March
Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018