Dr P Robertson, Dr V Egdell
No more applications being accepted
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
This MRes study aims to understand how adults in mid-life experience the relationship between their work and their health. This is with a particular focus on how they see their careers developing in future and how this relates to their health and well-being status.
Increasing life spans, economic pressures, and advancing or flexible retirement age mean that individuals may be working for longer in their lives. Older workers may have health conditions to manage. Employment may be detrimental to mental or physical health, or it may help to promote well-being and extend functional independence. This is dependent on a variety of factors including job characteristics and the relationship between the individual and work. Thus, the orientation to their career that adults adopt in mid-life may have far-reaching impacts on their health trajectories. This mixed methods study seeks to explore those orientations and their health implications as understood by the workers themselves.
The literature review will explore:
• Relevant conceptualisation and measurement of health and well-being
• Well-being and life-span development
• Career development in mid to late adulthood, including the literature on ‘third age’ guidance
• Contemporary legal, economic, and socio-political factors that are extending working life, and increasing pressures on older workers.
The empirical study will be a mixed methods design, combining in-depth qualitative research interviews, followed by a survey generating quantitative evidence. The survey will combine use of a validated well-being measure with a bespoke survey design informed by the literature review and the interviews.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in psychology, sociology or a related social science discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of the application of social sciences to employment related issues.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental qualitative and/or quantitative methods within a relevant social science discipline
• Competent in the use of information technology
• Knowledge of current issues in employment
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
• Experience of successful relevant study at postgraduate level
• Detailed knowledge of social science research methods
• Awareness of career development concepts
When applying for this position please quote project ID SAS0015
Funding Notes
This is a fees only MRes studentship covering UK/EU tuition fees. Non-UK/EU residents are eligible to apply but must cover the difference between the UK/EU and overseas tuition fees themselves.
References
CEDEFOP (2011). Working and ageing: Guidance and counselling for mature learners. Luxembourg: European Union.
Robertson P.J. (2014). Health inequality and careers. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 42, 3, pp. 338-351.