Assessing the health and wellbeing benefits of engagement in participatory arts activities for older people living with dementia.

The Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University offers an exciting opportunity for an ESRC funded 1+3 or +3 collaborative studentship for PhD research:

Assessing the health and wellbeing benefits of engagement in participatory arts activities for older people living with dementia.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for this fully-funded PhD CASE studentship (3 years for +3, 4 Years for 1+3) which is a collaboration between the Centre for Ageing Research and the Institute for Contemporary Arts at Lancaster University, with Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. The studentship covers full fees plus a Basic Maintenance Grant (at RCUK rates). The student will receive a small contribution for research costs.

This exciting CASE studentship will draw on innovative mixed methods (mainly qualitative) to assess how participatory arts interventions influence wellbeing outcomes for people living with dementia. The research offers an opportunity to engage with important policy initiatives and how they impact upon people’s lives. The successful applicant will also benefit from the work placement opportunity within Theatre by the Lake, in Keswick, Cumbria.

The studentship will be supervised by a team lead by Professor Christine Milligan and Professor Emma Rose at Lancaster University and Mary Elliot, House Manager, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.

Eligible candidates will be UK/EU Honours graduate students with a good 2.1 from a recognised University, who show evidence of exceptional ability; +3 applicants must have completed research methods training as part of an ESRC recognised Masters (or demonstrate research training to an equivalent standard) in a relevant health and social sciences discipline. Students who are currently undertaking a Masters degree (or equivalent) and are expecting to graduate during the 2015-16 academic session are also eligible to apply. Candidates should demonstrate a committed interest and experience in the field of dementia ageing research, preferably in arts contexts.

For further information contact Professor Christine Milligan: [Email Address Removed] OR Professor Emma Rose: [Email Address Removed]. To apply please submit the following documents electronically, by 12.00pm Thursday February 11th 2016, to Prof. Christine Milligan: [Email Address Removed] with ‘ESRC CASE studentship’ in the subject line:

• An up-to-date CV: including two named referees (one of whom should be your most recent academic tutor/supervisor); the applicant will be expected to have approached their referees to arrange for references in advance of shortlisting. Where a Masters or Undergraduate degree (for 1+3 only) is ongoing, references must include anticipated final grade.
• A letter of application (not exceeding 2 pages, size 12 font) outlining your suitability for the CASE studentship and how you would anticipate approaching the research.
• A copy of your first degree and Master’s degree transcripts.

PLEASE NOTE: Shortlisted candidates should be available for interview on Friday February 19st 2016