University of Hertfordshire Interfaculty Research Studentship
Bullied children: Evaluating an Intensive Recovery Programme
Schools of Psychology and Education

The University of Hertfordshire is investing in its research base, and is pleased to offer a number of exciting opportunities to work in interdisciplinary research. The above project will be a three year full-time studentship leading to the award of PhD.

Project Details
The student will conduct a programme of research into the effectiveness of recovery provision for bullied children, supervised by the Schools of Psychology and Education. This will include a matched participant longitudinal study of children attending Red Balloon Learner Centres (schools for the recovery of bullied children). Children’s experiences will be examined and they will be assessed on a range of psychological and educational dimensions, from when they enter the Centre until reintegration into mainstream school 12-24 months later. A comparison group of children who are self-excluded due to bullying will be similarly assessed for the same period.

This project aims to identify how the key factors of the Red Balloon model produce beneficial outcomes for children, and how these can be translated into tangible guidelines to help a range of professionals deal more effectively with the effects of severe bullying.

Candidate Particulars
The successful candidate should normally hold at least a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution. Applicants are required to have previous experience of working with children and young adolescents, ideally in a therapeutic environment. This programme of research requires someone who has excellent communication skills, and an accessible manner with both children and adults. It would be desirable for the applicant to have a post-graduate qualification in psychology/counselling/education related discipline. Competent knowledge and experience of data collection methodologies and data management, quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential. A clean driving license would be beneficial as the research will involve regular onsite visits to Red Balloon Learner Centres and other educational centres.

Further information & Application
For further information or an application form please email: Sarah Woods s.n.woods@herts.ac.uk or telephone 01707 285057