PhD Studentships
Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies is offering three fully-funded studentships, commencing in October 2012. Details of individual projects, eligibility criteria, and how to apply can be found below. The deadline for applications is Thursday 31st May 2012.
Studentship 1: Supervised by Professor Billie Hunter and based within the Maternal, Child and Family Health and Wellbeing research group:
'Exploring and enhancing communication and emotional support in maternity care'
Effective communication and authentic emotional support are fundamental to the provision of high quality, safe maternity care. However, reviews of maternity services and research evidence demonstrate numerous failings in effective caregiver-client communication and a lack of empathic care. Given the significance of these problems, surprisingly little is known about the barriers to effective communication and supportive care, or how communication and support may be enhanced.
A key aim of this studentship is to explore an aspect of communication and emotional support in maternity care, in order to develop the evidence base for practice. Given the lack of existing knowledge in the field, it is anticipated that the study will be predominantly qualitative in nature.
Informal enquiries should be made to: Professor Billie Hunter, HunterB1@cardiff.ac.uk
Studentship 2: Supervised by Professor Jane Hopkinson and based within the Emotional, supportive and Palliative Care research group. The group is seeking a highly motivated and creative nurse, allied healthcare professional or social scientist with an interest in completing a PhD in an area that will strengthen or extend our programme of research. Please contact us, if you would like to join our group and have a research idea relating to one of the following topic areas:
- Nutritional care of cancer patients and their families
- Psychosocial support of patients with cancer cachexia and their families
- Innovations in supportive care for people with chronic conditions and complex needs, for example dementia
- Investigating the emotional needs of patients with cachexia in non-malignant conditions
- Understanding the patient and family carer dynamic and its implications for quality of life and the management of health problems
- Innovations in family carer support
Informal enquiries should be made to: Professor Jane Hopkinson, HopkinsonJB@cardiff.ac.uk
Studentship 3: Supervised by Professor Daniel Kelly and based within the Workforce, Education and Innovation research group:
'Teenagers and young adults' experience of being involved in treatment decisions about their cancer'
Whilst a diagnosis of cancer may be considered traumatic and life-changing at any age, in teenagers and young adults (TYA’s) it may have extra significance as it is occurs during a critical and unique phase of the human life course. The threats associated with cancer in young people can be expected to provoke strong emotions and prove challenging for all involved. The essential features of effective and appropriate cancer care for TYAs, therefore, is a relevant concern for those closest to the patient, such as parents, as well as for professionals. The studentship will allow an in-depth exploration of TYA's experience of involvement in treatment decisions about their cancer.
Informal enquiries should be made to: Professor Daniel Kelly, KellyDM@cardiff.ac.uk
The School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies
Cardiff is making a substantial investment in developing the health researchers of the future. Successful candidates will join our thriving postgraduate community and work in collaboration with renowned experts in their field. The School provides a stimulating and challenging environment and has strong links with the NHS, local practitioners and service providers and has a number of international partnerships. SONMS is recognized by PhD students as one of the top three departments within Cardiff University, providing high levels of overall student satisfaction. For further details see our postgraduate research web pages and our postgraduate research student blog.
Funding and eligibility
Each studentship will commence in October 2012 and funding will cover UK/EU tuition fees, plus a maintenance stipend based on UK research council rates. In 2012/13 this will be £13,590.
We are seeking exceptional applicants with a first-class or very good upper second Honours degree, with backgrounds in nursing, midwifery and/or the social sciences. Full-time applicants are preferred, however, part-time applications will be considered.
Application Process: We encourage applicants to contact a research group lead for an informal discussion prior to making an application. Contact the School in the first instance. A completed application form (with all supporting documentation attached) for admission to doctoral study within the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies and submit it to the Academic Registry via the online admissions portal (Please specify a start date of October 2012).
In the 'Funding' section of the Online Application Form, please indicate which studentship you are applying for. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For more information on the application process, please contact Rosemary Williams: nursingphdenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk
Application Deadline: Please ensure your application and all supporting documents reach us no later than Thursday 31st May 2012.
Further information
The Cardiff University package of support for postgraduate researchers and research only staff was shortlisted in the 2010 Times Higher Education Award for “Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers”. In addition, Cardiff University has also won a coveted place in the national network of training centres accredited by the ESRC, the Wales Doctoral Training Centre to support doctoral training and research. It includes:
- MSc in Research Methods, which offers ESRC- accredited modules
- University Graduate College offers workshops and courses in research skills and techniques, as well as broader areas of research management and professional development.
- Wider researcher development opportunities include involvement in organizing and attending student-led conferences and, the opportunity to obtain funding for student-led interdisciplinary activities to enhance the research environment.
- School research events include the (student led) annual PGR symposium, internal seminar programme and regular workshops, for example, examining research ethics and writing research protocols.
Each student benefits from
- Their own desk, storage space and a networked computer for their exclusive use within the dedicated PGR suite, situated within the heart of the School.
- Receive formal supervision from a lead supervisor who has an international research profile, meeting regularly for formal supervision sessions. We operate an open door policy for supervision.
- Provided with opportunities to contribute to teaching and lecturing.
- Access to financial support for fieldwork and attending conferences.
