Summary

Background:

Our population is ageing rapidly. The presents a significant challenge as our health systems seek to adapt to the increased need. It has been proposed that online delivery of health promotion programmes, such as online falls prevention programmes, might be one solution.

Online programmes help address difficulties in accessing programmes for people with physical limitations or those living in rural areas. They may also be more cost-effective to deliver.

Their introduction was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, previous research has identified challenges in engaging older men in online programmes.

There is therefore a need to identify strategies to increase the uptake of online interventions to men, especially those living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

The proposed PhD is a partnership with Age NI. Age NI have led two important online programmes recently.

The Good Vibrations programme was a men’s health programme aimed specifically at men aged 50 and over. It included a range of online educational content from planning for retirement to seeking work-life balance as health issues occur.

The Move More, Live More programme was an online falls prevention programme seeking to support older adults to increase their activity levels, strength, balance and overall health and wellbeing.

Methods:

This PhD will conduct a mixed-methods programme of research to identify how to better engage men in online health programmes.

Firstly, they will conduct a systematic review of barriers and facilitators to engaging men in online health promotion programmes.

The results will be used to guide the development of qualitative research with men involved in Age NI’s health programmes.

Finally, a survey of older men will seek to understand how older men use online resources to access health information.

Together, the results will be used to develop a guide to engaging men in future online health programmes.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Medicine, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this 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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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 70%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

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)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

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.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period