PhD/GTA Studentship: Mental Health, Education and Wellbeing: A study of Social Inequality and Family Life in North-West England

Aligned to work in the University’s Institute for Public Policy and Professional Practice, this inter-disciplinary project will examine the mental health and wellbeing of families, children and young people living in socially deprived regions of north-west England where the prevalence of mental illness, educational disadvantage, and poor health outcomes are increasing. The project will bring together research from sociology, psychology, social epidemiology, and policy analysis in education, health and family services to provide a systematic, theoretically-informed, empirical analysis of mental health and wellbeing in times of austerity.

Building upon existing work conducted as part of Tackling the Blues – a sports-based mental health project delivered in collaboration with Everton in the Community (EitC, the official charity of Everton Football Club) – the project will explore the mental health (and other) costs of political and policy decisions which disproportionately impact the most vulnerable groups in society. Drawing on the skills and knowledge of experienced practitioners and professionals in education and family/children’s services, the project will examine how social inequality, educational disadvantage and mental health are being impacted by the reshaping of public services.

The successful applicant will work with EitC and others engaged in Tackling the Blues to provide a unique insight into the production and reproduction of educational and (mental) health inequalities in local communities, and how these are connected to family and parental practices. These insights will be used to explore how education, health and other social outcomes can be improved through joint working and collaborative practice across the public sectors.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Andy Smith (Department of Sport and Physical Activity) at [Email Address Removed]

Duties and Responsibilities:
Students will be expected to:
- Successfully undertake an initial programme of accredited research training.
- Undertake a PhD programme of research under the supervision of an appointed
supervisory team.
- Enhance the research culture of the Department in which they are located, the Research Institute to which they are attached, and the University by participating in events, conferences and training.
- Successfully complete a programme of teacher training.
- Undertake up to six hours teaching a week or working with the Institute to which they are attached alongside University Departments or external agencies or organizations as directed by their Head of Department/Research Institute Director.

Eligibility:
- Candidates should have, or be expected to obtain, a good undergraduate honours degree level (2:1 or above) and/or a Masters level qualifications in a relevant subject area achieved within the last three to five years. If their most recent qualifications were obtained outside this period and/or they do not possess a Masters level qualification there needs to be convincing evidence that they will be able to make the transition to doctoral study.
- Although it is possible for candidates to apply for the GTA scheme more than once candidates who have applied unsuccessfully on two or more occasions are unlikely to be shortlisted for interview.
- International candidates who require a visa to study in the UK will need to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for a Tier 4 visa and possess appropriate English Language skills (IELTS Level C1/C2 or equivalent).
- Applications are not normally accepted from candidates who already possess a PhD, unless there are compelling reasons for doing so. If a PhD has been obtained in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa holder, further sponsorship cannot be offered
under the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa category, as this will not meet the academic progression requirements set by the UKVI.

How to apply
Applicants must complete the online application form, attaching one document containing:
- A ‘Research Proposal’ which should not exceed 2,000 words in length
- A full academic curriculum vitae

Selection Criteria:
Selection will be based on the following:
- Your curriculum vitae
- The synergy between your qualifications, research experience and declared research interest
- Performance at interview
- Supervisory capacity in the declared area of research
- Previous tutoring/teaching experience and related subject based qualifications
- The strategic and developmental needs of the Faculty

The Recruitment Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and asked to give a presentation related to their research proposal. Successful candidates at interview will be put forward to a final selection panel which will make the decision on the award of the studentships. Candidates will not have to attend the final panel.

The closing date for all studentships is 5th May 2017