PhD Study : Development, testing and delivery of a pelvic floor exercise programme to improve sexual health and well-being after prostate cancer

Apply and key information  

Summary

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:

  • A systematic evidence review to identify effective components of exercise interventions for men with prostate cancer.
  • Qualitative methods to explore service user and health professional perspectives on the feasibility of using PFE to improve sexual function and overall quality of life in men with prostate cancer.
  • Development and testing of an appropriate, evidence-based PFE programme for men with prostate cancer using an established theoretical framework

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.

  • 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

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
20th or 21st March

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

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