VC International Scholarship in Social Sciences – Urbanisation and nutritional transitions: a secondary data analysis study (January 2021 start)

Over the last 40 years, there has been a significant increase in overweight and obesity in high, middle- and low-income countries. This PhD would conduct secondary analysis of existing Demographic and Health Surveys, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and other secondary data sources to look at the relationship between a national level of urbanisation and increases in body mass index. This PhD will be the first truly global study of this phenomenon, considering a range of measures of urbanization, nutritional status and nutritional policies as well as utilizing a range of advanced quantitative methods. This PhD will aim to present a clear narrative of the different nutritional trajectories. The PhD will provide clear policy recommendations and contribute to sociological and epidemiological literatures.

Applicants must be nationals of (or permanently domiciled in) from the world’s Least Developed and Other Low Income Countries based on the DAC list of ODA Recipients 2020 (list of eligible countries are listed below).

Part-time and distance-learning applicants will not be considered

Applicants must:

• meet the entrance criteria for your chosen PhD programme
• be liable to pay overseas tuition fees
• not have been awarded another scholarship covering both tuition fees and stipend.

For further information and eligibility on how to apply, please see: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees/international-scholarships/vice-chancellors-international-scholarships-for-research-excellence

If you are an existing applicant to the School of Social Sciences and wish to be considered for this scholarship please contact the Graduate Office ([Email Address Removed]).

HOW TO APPLY
Please specify in the funding section that you wish to be considered for the ‘V-C’s International Scholarships for Research Excellence’

SCHOOL SELECTION PROCEDURES
To be considered by the School of Social Sciences, applicants must complete and submit the following documentation:

1. A fully completed application form for admission to doctoral study in the School of Social Sciences: submitted to the Academic Registry via the online admissions portal.
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/social-sciences#

2. Academic references: all admissions applications require two references to be dated within the last 6 months. Please ensure that your chosen referees either provide a reference of letter headed paper that is signed and dated or complete the referee form found on the University’s application webpages and either upload to the online application portal or return them to the Graduate Office ([Email Address Removed]).
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/application-forms

3. Academic qualification certificates and transcripts: academic transcripts must be submitted via the online admissions application. The University will use these to verify your academic qualifications.

4. An extended proposal: applicants must submit a copy of an extended proposal (from 500 and 1500 words or three-page long approximately, not including bibliographic references) to supplement the summary proposal found in their application form. We suggest that you use the following five headings in your research proposal:

* Title, aims and purpose of the research;
* Brief overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;
* Proposed design/methods;
* Academic contributions of your research;
* Bibliographic references.

5. Copies of English Language certificates (if applicable): a minimum score of 7.0 IELTS (or equivalent) is required for postgraduate research at the School. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to pass an English test at a high level prior to their admission being confirmed. Conditional offers based on future results will not be made. For a list of recognised English language qualifications accepted by Cardiff University, please consult:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/english-language-requirements

6. ALL Applicants must attach an academic CV e.g. https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researcher-careers/pursuing-an-academic-career/how-to-write-an-academic-cv

7. A Personal Statement that gives a strong statement of the research interest, preparation and understanding of the research context and significance https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researcher-careers/pursuing-an-academic-career/writing-a-statement-of-academic-research-interest