PhD Study : Healthy Urban Environments. Assessing the needs and expectations of Young People across European Cities

Summary

Over the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the link between the built environment and health.  Research suggests that characteristics aligned to a healthy neighbourhood environment can significantly influence wellbeing and quality of life, and by inference, reduce the current financial burden on the Heath Sector.  Evidence shows social or wider determinants of health such as employment, education, housing, leisure opportunities, social relationships and public infrastructure play a bigger role than health care services in influencing the health of any population Whilst the value of connecting urban environments and health and wellbeing are now better recognised through initiatives such as the WHO Healthy Cities and BRE Healthy Cities Index, what is less understood is the relationships between the many complex factors that influence the spatial and socioeconomic dimensions of city spaces and, in turn health and wellbeing.

The impact of planning and government decisions on the health of adolescent populations has notably received much less attention in terms of research development. The size of the youth population, and their limited opportunities to choose or change the environment which they inhabit, are two salient reasons to determine current views and perceptions of urban spaces and their impacts and influence on adolescent populations.  Indeed, being able to walk to school in a safe and healthy environment, along with the opportunity to access green spaces and high-quality local amenities, have been cited as key drivers for enhancing physical activity and overall well-being. However, little is currently known regarding the value and importance which young people place on these environmental characteristics.

Whilst there is no universally accepted definition of adolescence, young people and / or youth, for the purpose of this research, youth will be defined as any child between the ages of 10-19 as in accordance with the World Health Organisation (2014). Recently collected data within the Belfast Metropolitan Area, shows that there are vast disparities in deprivation and associated health and wellbeing indicators, however the implications on the specific youth population is difficult to ascertain.   Research shows that in most cities, the greatest level of need is concentrated in neighbourhoods where poverty levels are highest and social outcomes are poorest. As such, this innovative research, endeavours to identify prominent urban characteristics required to provide a healthy urban environment as well as the risk factors that may inhibit health and wellbeing.

Using a case study approach, the study will compare and contrast several European cities alongside the Belfast Metropolitan Area, with a view to identifying the urban characteristics impacting on health and wellbeing and the value placed on these characteristics by younger users of the built environment.  This unique, and internationally relevant research will help to influence policy by providing guidance to urban designers, city planners and policy makers in order to ensure that prospective urban environments are better designed and potentially retrofitted to improve health and wellbeing and ultimately to support the needs and aspirations of a modern adolescent population.

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.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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