Beauty and Fitness vloggers: body image, self-esteem, mental health

The University of Worcester is seeking to expand its research strength in Media and Cultural Studies. In the government’s last Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), Research Fortnight identified Worcester as the most improved university in the UK. Researchers in our Media and Culture course team contributed to that success and continue to produce publications of regional, national, and international significance. We are now seeking aspiring researchers who will benefit from that environment and who could, at the same time, consolidate and re-shape our existing research specialisms. As a postgraduate researcher you could also help enhance our University-wide focus on producing distinctive research in Arts, Culture and Heritage.

This studentship offers an exciting opportunity to help expand media and cultural studies in new discrete areas of study which are beginning to receive critical attention. It is, therefore, an important element of this studentship that the direction of the project should primarily be determined by the skills, knowledge and interests of the applicant. Seeking applications that address the topic listed, we also welcome enquiries from anyone thinking creatively and uniquely around the areas specified or who might wish to propose an alternative angle.

Beauty and Fitness vloggers: body image, self-esteem, mental health

This topic is designed to explore the relationship between vloggers and representations of the body and/or perceptions of health and well-being. Proposals are invited that might focus primarily on issues such as beauty, food, diet, fitness, or mental health with regards to perceptions of self. Applications exploring notions of self-esteem, shame, dieting, and implications for body image are especially encouraged. We would also consider proposals looking at other forms of new/social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram).

For further details and for an application form visit: http://www.worcester.ac.uk/researchstudentships

For an informal discussion about the studentship please contact Dr Barbara Mitra (email: [Email Address Removed])

For questions regarding the application process, please contact the Research School (email: [Email Address Removed] or tel: +44 1905 54 2182)