A Life Course Investigation of Maternal Ethnic Group and Pregnancy Weight in the Development of Short and Long-term Health Outcomes for Women and their Offspring

• MRC
• Reference Code: HS015

Closing Date: 1st February 2013

Details:

Name of the supervisor(s)
Dr N Heslehurst, Institute of Health & Society 

Professor J Rankin, Institute of Health & Society  

Professor S Rushton, School of Biology

Sponsor
Medical Research council (MRC)

Duration of the award
4 years (MRes Epidemiology or MSc Public Health and Health Services Research followed by a three-year PhD).

Project description
This doctoral research programme will utilise population-based data to investigate the life course perspective of obesity and health (particularly comparing White and South Asian women). Structural equation modelling approaches will be used to investigate the complex indirect and direct effects of different drivers of maternal obesity and their impacts on maternal and child-health outcomes. We hypothesise that there is a complex suite of interacting and indirect drivers and that only by investigating these interactions and indirect effects will it be possible to understand the complexity and move towards programmes of intervention.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
Depending on how you meet the MRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,590 (2012/13). A partial award covers fees at the UK/EU rate only.

Person Specification
You should have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or upper-second-class honours degree in relevant health or related science (the project has a substantial statistical component).

How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form. Select “Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) – health and society” as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number HS015.

Further Information
For further details, please contact:
Dr N Heslehurst
E-mail: nicola.heslehurst@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 3823