An investigation of functional ability, bone health and quality of life in lower limb amputees

Following traumatic and/or elective lower limb amputation, individuals experience a number of complications including a high risk of developing osteoarthritis. This may be secondary to altered movement mechanics and changes in bone structure and geometry. This project will utilise longitudinal study designs in order to assess how the development of functional ability in this patient group influences bone structure and geometry and quality of life. The project will also aim to identify any potential benefit that may arise from a targeted intervention developed using previously collected data, with the intervention being administered and its effects reported.

Entry requirement
Candidates will be required to hold an undergraduate B.Sc (Hons.) degree and hold or be near to completion to an M.Sc, M.Res or M.Phil in subject areas akin to physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, human physiology or sport and exercise science.

Eligibility
Applications can be accepted from UK/EU and also International students. The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5 (with no element to be below 6.0) or TOEFL 560/iBT 94-95.

Fees (2013/14)
Full-time PhD registration is for a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years.
Home/EU tuition fees: £3,900 (likely to rise in each subsequent year)
International tuition fees: £11,600 (likely to rise in each subsequent year)
Bench fee (annual): This is variable dependent upon experimental focus
If a student has not submitted his/her thesis by the end of year 3, he/she is required to enrol for a fourth year and pay the Completion Year Fee to enable him/her to complete and submit the thesis. The Completion Year Fee is £550 for 2013/14 (increases every year). No Bench fee is payable in year 4.

Applying
For informal enquiries about the studentship, please contact Dr Cleveland Barnett – [Email Address Removed]
For an application form, please email the NTU Graduate School [Email Address Removed]
Please return the completed application form, with copies of academic and English proficiency (if applicable) certificates, and a CV via email to: [Email Address Removed]
Applications by CV only will not be accepted.