This is an exciting opportunity to undertake an applied PhD in the area of smoking cessation in the School of Psychology at the University of Leeds. The PhD is part of the Improvement Science theme of the Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaboration (YHARC), funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). You will be part of a stimulating and supportive network of students in the School of Psychology, the YHARC and the Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (PSTRC).
This prestigious award is an excellent opportunity for a candidate wanting to undertake an applied PhD in behavioural science.
Research Project
The PhD will focus on the best ways to increase smoking cessation rates in those with severe mental illness (SMI).
People with severe mental illness (SMI) die on average 15-20 years younger than people without SMI (Brown et al., 2010). Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors (Firth et al., 2019) underlying these differences. Previous studies have demonstrated that people with SMI can quit smoking with the right support; generally involving a behavioural component combined with smoking cessation medication (Banham and Gilbody, 2010; Peckham et al., 2017). In addition, although the smoking rates in the general population have declined over the past few decades, smoking rates in people with SMI have not (Cheeseman and Harker, 2016).
This PhD studentship will conduct novel research using qualitative and quantitative methods to further our understanding of how best to increase smoking cessation in people with SMI. One focus will be on comparing traditional approaches ‘top down’ approaches which draw on existing research knowledge with a more ‘bottom up’ and novel approach known as ‘positive deviants’.
Environment
Working with Professor Mark Conner (School of Psychology, University of Leeds), Dr Emily Peckham (Research Fellow, University of York) and Dr Andria Hanbury (Research Programme Manager, YHARC Improvement Science theme). The successful applicant will also be supported by Clinical Leaders in relevant clinical specialties in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The holder of this prestigious PhD Fellowship will also be linked to the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber PSTRC (www.yhpstrc.org), a research team at the forefront of patient safety research in the UK. The University of Leeds, a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, is one of the top 10 Universities in the UK and is ranked in the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2019
Eligibility
You should hold a first-degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class honours degree, or suitable postgraduate degree in psychology, social science or a health-related subject. Experience in, or knowledge of, healthcare services and the desire to engage with staff and patients and a wider multi-disciplinary team in order to conduct high-quality research of value to the NHS will be beneficial
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements are:
- British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.
How to apply
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a research proposal up to a maximum of 500 words, based on the project brief given above
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)
- If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).
To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- when asked for your programme of study please select PhD in Psychological Sciences
- give the full project title as the title of your research project and name the supervisors listed in this advert
- when asked for source of funding please state you are applying for an advertised scholarship opportunity at the University
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed] by no later than Tuesday 30 November 2021
There is flexibility with the start date which we anticipate being between February and September 2022
For further information about the application process please contact [Email Address Removed]
If you would like to know more about this Studentship project please contact [Email Address Removed]
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