Equipped for Adulthood: Investigating the Role of Therapeutic Recreation in Developing Life Skills and Self-Management for Young Adults with Serious Illness.

Summary

This project evaluates the Barretstown Young Adult Programme (YAP), which delivers the "Five to Thrive" framework—a practical, choice-led wellbeing programme supported by Holland & Barrett. Framed within a lifespan development model, this residential intervention addresses the "transition gap"—a critical developmental window where living with or recovering from serious illness disrupts psychosocial milestones for young people aged 18-24, leading to social isolation and long-term economic inactivity.

The intervention follows a two-stage progressive model: Stage 1 (Foundations) focuses on awareness and skill introduction, while Stage 2 (Application) focuses on autonomy and applying tools to real-life contexts.

The programme is structured around five essential pillars: Connect, Move, Nourish, Mind, and Sleep. By combining "Really Serious Fun"—such as canoeing and archery—with skill-based workshops like "Smoothie Labs" and "Wind Down Routines," the study evaluates outcomes including Quality of Life, Career Adapt-Ability, Social Connectivity and Personal Social Networks.

A particular focus is placed on the "Connect" pillar to understand the development of a sense of belonging and leadership, moving from the awareness that their 'place in society is valued' to the confidence that they 'have a lot to offer'. This strand also focuses on the development of peer and romantic relationships through healthy communication.

Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study involves a systematic review followed by a quasi-experimental waitlist control trial evaluated through the RE-(CL)AIM framework. By identifying the "effective ingredients" that foster autonomy and self-efficacy, the research aims to demonstrate how non-clinical interventions can prevent social marginalisation and improve future vocational participation.

The successful candidate will benefit from joint supervision between Ulster and Barretstown, gaining practical experience in therapeutic recreation delivery. This project aligns with Northern Ireland’s strategic priorities for Mental Health and the Economy, aiming to demonstrate how non-clinical care can bridge adulthood and future vocational participation.

As this project will involve travel to Barretstown, which has limited accessibility by public transport, the ideal candidate should have a full driver’s licence and access to their own car.

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are encouraged to apply

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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using Open Science methods

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.