PhD Study : An investigation of risk perception and behaviour in communicable disease control

Summary

2020 has seen the worse pandemic of recent years, with the emergence of an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, Covid-19. Due to the highly infective nature of this virus and its airborne mode of transmission, it spread worldwide rapidly and affected (and continues to affect) millions of people worldwide. In recent years, the world has been confronted with outbreaks or threats of outbreaks of other emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, Ebola and the WHO has warned that infectious diseases are emerging at a rate that has not been seen before.

To control new infectious diseases, like Covid-19, preventing the spread and slowing down transmission is an essential effective tool as the development of vaccines and therapies for new emerging communicable disease can be complex and time consuming. In addition, contact tracing, isolation and screening may all be important in combating communicable disease. Many of these measures are dependent on human behaviours.

For example, the success of prevention the spread and slowing down transmission (e.g. engaging in precautionary behaviours such as wearing masks, hand hygiene, self-isolation etc.), up take on vaccination, contact tracing and population screening are all dependent on whether people at risk comply with behavioural recommendations. Especially in the early phases of an epidemic, compliance to precautionary behaviours among the populations at risk is often the only means of prevention of a further spread of the disease.

Risk perception is a central element in changing behaviour. Theories on behaviour change place risk perception at the start of the complex chain of mechanism that determines the success of that behavioural change. To date, there is still limited research exploring the relationship between risk perception and behavioural responses in the context of infectious disease.

This research proposes to explore the links between risk perception and behavioural responses and their role in the control of communicable diseases.

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

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.

• Masters at 65%

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