Sport, culture and wellbeing: developing interventions to promote wellbeing among British Nuclear Test Veterans and their families.

College of Health and Life Sciences
Institute of Environment, Health and Societies


3-year-funded PhD Studentship:
Sport, culture and wellbeing: developing interventions to promote wellbeing among British Nuclear Test Veterans and their families.

A 3-year funded PhD studentship available in the Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Brunel University London.

Project description

A studentship is being offered in the Social Sciences to join a new team setting up the Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents (CHRC), the aim of which is to explore the health impact of radiological and chemical agents on military personnel and their families. Funded by the Nuclear Community Charity Fund, CHRC will support the needs of the aged nuclear community and their families by exploring the health impact of participation at the nuclear weapons test sites in the 1950s and 1960s.Staff in the Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences are delighted to be part of the Centre’s multi-disciplinary team of social scientists, biologists and toxicologists who will carry out research for translation into evidence-based advice, education and support for potentially affected communities.

The Sport, culture and wellbeing doctoral study will develop and assess sport and culture interventions to promote wellbeing among members of the British nuclear test veteran community. Research will be undertaken with veterans and their families to increase knowledge and understanding of the impacts of exposure worry on members of the community, and to develop supportive interventions to address these. The studentship study will move beyond previous research into the impacts on this population, to develop and evaluate wellbeing interventions that address them.

The project will especially draw on Brunel’s expertise in assessing the use of cultural activities and sport and exercise to promote wellbeing, developed through the UK-wide ESRC-funded ‘What Works Wellbeing’ project. Cultural activities and sport, exercise and physical activity can be developed in diverse forms and can support community-based and individually focused interventions.

The project will start on 1st October 2017 at Brunel University London (Uxbridge) and will be supervised Dr Louise Mansfield and Professor Tess Kay. The student will benefit from Brunel’s extensive programme of postgraduate training, including its recently accredited provision as a partner in the ESRC-funded Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership. These provide opportunities to develop a valuable set research skills and expertise that will boost a successful career as independent scientist.




Funding

This studentship is fully funded by CHRC and covers a generous tax-free stipend of £16,553 and full UK/EU tuition fees.

Qualifications and eligibility

Candidates are required to be UK-based and must ensure they fully meet the eligibility criteria of Brunel University London. We are looking for an enthusiastic and high-calibre candidate with an appropriate background in social science at UG level and enthusiasm to apply their knowledge to address health and wellbeing in the British Nuclear Test Community.. The project would be ideally suited to a student with a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in sport or public health or similar disciplines. A Masters qualification in a related discipline is highly desirable. If you are a non-native speaker and have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK, you must demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in any section).

How to apply

Informal enquiries are most welcome and should be sent to Dr Louise Mansfield [Email Address Removed] If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to
[Email Address Removed] by the 30th July 2017.

• An up-to-date CV;
• A single-page A4 single-spaced covering letter setting out why you are a suitable candidate.
• Names and contact details for two referees;
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification (where applicable).

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants chosen for interview will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.
For further information about how to apply please contact the College of Health and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Student Office at [Email Address Removed].