Evaluation of Intergenerational activities to address loneliness: a case study approach linking children with older people living in residential care

Summary

Loneliness is an important and growing public health concern, particularly for older people living in residential care. Intergenerational programmes, which create opportunities for older people and children to spend meaningful time together, offer a promising approach to strengthening social connections and enhancing wellbeing. However, more robust evidence is needed about how effective these programmes are and how they can best be designed and delivered.

This Doctoral study offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the potential of intergenerational activities to address loneliness among older people living in residential care. The successful candidate will begin by undertaking a systematic scoping review to critically examine existing evidence and identify important gaps in knowledge. They will then conduct research across three residential care settings, evaluating intergenerational activities involving older residents and children.

The project will use a case-study approach. Loneliness will be the primary outcome, assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, alongside outcomes relating to areas such as wellbeing, emotions, behaviour and relationships. The research will examine change before and after participation in intergenerational activities and will include the perspectives of relevant stakeholders in shaping and understanding the research.

The successful candidate will join a supportive supervisory team and an active international research interest group. This project would particularly suit a graduate from a health or social care-related discipline with an interest in ageing, children, loneliness, mental health, social connection or intergenerational practice. Previous quantitative and qualitative research experience and experience of working with children and/or older people would be advantageous.

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster

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.

• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Relevant professional qualification

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

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.