Understanding how public health policy can affect life expectancy inequalities in Northern Ireland through simulation

Life expectancy increased for decades until 2011, when in parts of Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK, some parts of Europe and the United States, the increase stalled. In some groups, particularly women from deprived areas, life expectancy fell (due to increased death rates). The reasons for the change are unknown but are not thought to be due to one single factor.

In this project, you will investigate this change by taking a systems approach. Systems Thinking is an exciting way of understanding complex adaptive systems. Systems methods have been used outside health for 60-70 years, but until recently have seldom been used by health researchers. You will learn about systems tools including causal loop diagrams, system dynamics modelling and microsimulation.

You will undertake a literature review to understand how simulation methods have been used in other contexts to investigate life expectancy and related measures. You will refine your research questions in light of your literature review and engagement with policy-makers. You will design and test a simulation to investigate how different social policies and health behaviours affect life expectancy. You will use your model to identify new policy goals that would help improve life expectancy and reduce inequalities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

INTO Queen’s English Language Courses offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/University-Preparation-Courses/INTOEnglishlanguagecoursesatQueens/