Supporting the impact of dementia in rural Wales

Project

The studentship is part of an ESRC-NIHR programme of research (‘The Rare Dementia Support Impact project’), a collaboration between Bangor University, University College London (project lead) and Nipissing University, Canada.

The objective of this studentship is to respond to research gaps for those with a dementia, including rare dementias, living in rural Wales. Estimates suggest the increases in the number of people living with a dementia are higher for rural areas (44%) than the rest of Wales (31%; WG, 2011). Yet there is a notable absence of contemporary research about the impact of dementia in rural Wales (Alzheimer’s Society, 2016). The project will involve designing a tool to identify the support needs for people with dementia and rare dementias and their families in rural North Wales, which will in turn lead to a behavioural skills training package for family carers.

Requirements

ESRC studentships are highly competitive. Candidates should have an excellent academic background in social sciences (1st or strong upper 2nd class degree for both undergraduate and masters). Applications are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements.

Desirable qualities

• A background in behaviour analysis
• An interest in ageing and dementia research and practice
• Experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Good interpersonal skills, able to work co-operatively
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Resourceful and able to act on own initiative
• Excellent problem solving abilities
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadline
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel, SPSS
• Good analytical skills

How to apply:
All application must be received through our online application system: https://apps.bangor.ac.uk/applicant/

Applications must contain the following documents:
1. Covering letter (maximum two pages): Set out your motivation for applying to study at Bangor University; your understanding and expectations of doctoral study; your academic interests generally, and how these relate to the description of the project supplied.
2. Academic / Professional Qualifications: Where appropriate, also include proof of English Language Competency (7.0 IELTS minimum).
3. References: Two academic references (approached by candidate themselves).
4. Curriculum Vitae: Two pages maximum.
5. Research Proposal: A maximum of 1000 words, not including bibliographic references with the following sections:
a. Reflections on the title, aims and purpose of the research;
b. Overview of key relevant research literature;
c. Your proposals for developing the design of the study;
d. A description of potential outcomes of the project for understanding, knowledge, policy and practice;
e. Bibliographic references

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview, which will include a short writing task to demonstrate their academic skills.