PhD Studentship (2013-2016) Ageing and Capacity Building in the Ageing Sector



Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship (2013-2016) on the Themes of Ageing and Capacity Building in the Ageing Sector

The School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast, is offering a full-time studentship leading to the award of a PhD. The studentship will support research which strengthens the evidence-base underpinning the Ageing Sector in Northern Ireland. Funding is available for three years and will cover university fees and pay a stipend. In addition to completing the application form on-line, applicants must attach a provisional, methodological strategy that addresses the research question (500 words maximum). The strategy should highlight the method to be used, the sampling approach, how data will be acquired and analysed and will consider pertinent ethical issues.

(1)    Topic: Age-friendly society and communities

This studentship will focus on the following research question: ‘Is Northern Ireland an age-friendly society’? It should address whether our society and communities are age-friendly, especially for older people. In particular, projects exploring one or more of the following themes (which are not mutually exclusive) would be welcomed:

  • Attitudes to, and experiences of, ageing and ageism
  • Poverty, health inequality and human rights of older people
  • Ageing, independence  and  technology (such as ehealth and assisted living)
  • Applying and developing new theoretical models of ageing
  • Risk, safety and relationships in older age (such as adult protection; fear of crime; promoting positive family, intergenerational and community relationships; addressing loneliness and social isolation)
  • Living and ageing well (physical, psychological, financial and spiritual wellbeing)
  • Diversity in ageing (culture, gender, disability and  sexuality)

It is envisaged that this research will be relevant to, and inform, policy and practice in Northern Ireland. Between the two supervisors, there is experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, and so mixed-methods approaches would be welcome.  Proposals that involve the quantitative analysis of secondary datasets will be looked on favourably, as will those that directly involve older people in the research. Whilst the projects will mainly focus on older people, life course approaches are also welcome.

The selection process will include an interview. 

How to apply:

Applicants should apply via Queen’s University’s online application system which can be found via the ‘Apply’ button below. 

All applications will be appraised according to the University/School selection criteria for admission to post-graduate research. These criteria include a 2:1 undergraduate degree or higher (or the equivalent), and a master’s degree, preferably in the social sciences.  DEL eligibility criteria on residence, nationality and academic qualifications also apply (http://go.qub.ac.uk/N8bbc). Previous research training (e.g. research methods) is desirable and should be highlighted in the application

Closing Date for Applications:  20th November 2013

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