About the Project
The University of Roehampton’s Department of Psychology will fund two studentships in 2018. Three projects have been identified, each of which offers an opportunity to be part of a research programme. Projects attracting the best two applicants will be awarded a PhD bursary starting in January 2018. You will engage in PhD study full time and integrate into the life of the Department of Psychology, working with academic colleagues and undergraduate students.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a worldwide problem, affecting more than 200 million girls and women in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated. In England and Wales, 66,000 girls and women were estimated to have undergone FGM between April 2015 and March 2016, and more than 20,000 girls are considered at risk of FGM (Health and Social care information Centre, 2015). Yet, little is known about the psychological impact of FGM on FGM survivors, and the availability of evidence-based intervention to support these individuals.
Thus, overall aim of this research is to enhance our understanding of the psychological impact of FGM, and to conduct an intervention study for FGM survivors.
Specifically, the aim of the first study is to examine (a) the psychological impact of FGM among FGM survivors; (b) the way in which FGM survivors perceive FGM, and if they are any cultural differences in this perception; and to explore (c) the rates of health and social services utilization among FGM survivors.
In the second study, the candidate will (a) identify evidence-based interventions for FGM; (b) conduct a randomized control trial; and (c) identify treatment outcomes; (d) identify factors that mediate and moderate treatment.
Supervisory team:
Professor Cecilia A Essau & Dr Diane Bray
Further information:
Informal enquiries should be directed to [Email Address Removed]
Requirements:
Applicants are expected to have a first or upper second-class undergraduate degree in psychology, and a relevant Masters qualification, or an undergraduate degree with significant research experience (e.g. student assistant in a laboratory). The candidate should have (a) experience in using both quantitative and qualitative research method. (b) established contact with charities working with FGM survivors. The successful candidate should be available to start in January 2018.
The application process:
To apply, please email the following to [Email Address Removed] with RPS Psychology Studentship AND the first three words of the project title in the subject heading.
1) A copy of your CV including copies of your academic qualifications.
2) A cover letter stating the reasons you are applying for this studentship and outlining your expertise and relevant skills. Please also address in two paragraphs maximum why you are interested in this specific research project and which research methods you would use to conduct the research.
3) A completed Application Form for PhD Study (RDB1) downloadable at http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/Courses/Graduate-School/Application-Packs/.
4) Note that references are to be submitted by your referees separately to this email address, by the deadline.
The closing date for applications is: 12.00 midday Friday 3rd November 2017
Interviews to be held: November 2017, date to be confirmed.
Start date for post: 6th January 2019.
*Recipients of these studentships will be covered for Home/EU fees, and recipients due to pay overseas fees will be required to pay the difference between Home/EU and overseas tuition fee rates. Further details of International Fees can be found here:
http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/Finance/Postgraduate-Finance/
Funding Notes
Funding is available for UK/EU and International* students at Home/EU rates for three years full-time study. The Bursary includes tuition waiver for PhD at UK/EU fees and stipend at £16,296 (rates as at 2016/17). *(see end note)