RCH PhD Scholarship in Dementia Research at University of Bath


An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Centre for Pain by undertaking a PhD in user design or assisted living. We will fund a full-time 3 year PhD studentship in either of the following areas:

a) Inclusive design in dementia. Innovating and improving methods of inclusive design for people with dementia and their carers. How do we ensure that we can design independent living solutions for people with dementia by finding ways to fully include them in our problem definition and solution generation. Or

b) Safe and Mobile. We are producing a number of SMART technology solutions to help people stay independent in the home. This PhD can focus on enabling people with early dementia to be safe outside the home (using communication and sensor devices) or to support carers in being mobile while their loved one is safe in their home.

For further information contact L.Austin@Bath.ac.uk, Research Manager to the Centre. The start date of the studentship will be Monday 9 January 2012; however a different start date may be negotiated for the right candidate.

Background:
The Centre for Pain, led by Professor Chris Eccleston (official website), with Bath Institute for Mechanical Engineering (BIME) is actively involved in researching appropriate technology to enhance the social inclusion of people with dementia. The Centre for Pain have developed mobile platforms and intelligent software that can provide support for customised rehabilitation and self management, including monitoring and activities for daily living. With further work this could be incorporated in smart home technology to provide an additional, tailored care for the person with dementia and provide peace of mind for their families. We would like to continue this work which brings greater autonomy to all concerned and is line with Department of Health plans to extend the uptake of assisted living to allow people to continue living independently in their own homes and communities.

Role Description:
Within the broad area of research outlined, the details of the research work programme will be designed together with the successful candidate. Duties will include:

  • Successfully completing a PhD thesis
  • Contributing to the Department for Health research activities including research presentations and publications
  • Being an active member of the postgraduate student group and wider department

Requirements:

  • It is essential that the applicant has a good first degree (upper second or first – or equivalent) in a Health or Social Science related discipline
  • Candidates would usually be expected to have a relevant Masters degree or have relevant research skills training
  • A desire to work towards long-term goals and ability to meet deadlines
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, and IT literate
  • To meet the English language requirements (see `To apply` section below).

Fees and stipend:
The successful candidate will be supported for 3 years (For 2011/12 this will be approximately £13,590 stipend plus UK/EU tuition fees of £4,400 and a consumables allowance of £1,525 all subject to slight increase each year). Overseas students outside EU are eligible to apply, however they must be able to fund the additional amount due for overseas tuition fees.

To apply:
Please apply online at official website select `MPhil/PhD research in Health (full-time)` You MUST put RCH PhD Scholarship followed by a) Inclusive design in dementia or b) Safe and Mobile at the beginning of section 7 of the application form, so that the admissions team can identify your application. Ensure that you provide a full online application, having uploaded all the following documents (with authenticated translations into English if the originals are in your native language). When scanning documents, please remember to scan both sides.

Please ensure you complete the following:

  1. Completed Application Form (relevant to the field of study).
  2. Scan of transcript(s) – both undergraduate and postgraduate (if applicable);
    • with results to date, and
    • if you are in your final year, a list of current subjects being studied.
  3. Scan of degree certificate(s) already awarded, or, a Scan of final transcript which must state that the qualification has been awarded – both undergraduate and postgraduate (if applicable).
  4. Scan of English language result (unless you are a native English speaker) – no older than two years from the proposed start date of your programme. For guidance on English status due to residency in an English-speaking country, or having studies in English, see the FAQ guide.
  5. Scan of two References. These ideally should be uploaded direct by your Referees. Specifically:
    • At least one must be an academic reference
    • Second reference may be a second academic reference or someone who knows you in a relevant work context
    • Character or personal references are not accepted
    • All references must be a scan of the signed and dated letter, on official letter headed paper
  6. An up to date CV of approx. 2-sides A4 (1,000 words) including clear evidence relating to academic, personal and professional achievements (including any prizes that you may have received).
  7. A research proposal to comprise of up to 2,500 to 3,000 words.

You must submit a full application including all of the above documents by the closing date for your application to be considered.

Closing date: 31 October 2011

For informal enquiries contact Lisa Austin, e-mail: L.Austin@bath.ac.uk or tel 01225 386575

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