PhD Research Studentships
New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA)
Promoting Independence and Social Engagement among Older People in Disadvantaged Communities project

Arising from a successful grant application, an exciting opportunity exists to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers at Keele University. The project forms part of the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) programme - a five-year multidisciplinary research initiative with the ultimate aim of improving quality of life of older people. The programme is a unique collaboration between five UK Research Councils - ESRC, EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC and AHRC - and is the largest and most ambitious research programme on ageing ever mounted in the UK (further details at http://newdynamics.group.shef.ac.uk/).

Project Summary
Three PhD studentships are available to support a research project, which aims to increase understanding of the social, health and psychological processes involved in promoting independence and social engagement among older people in disadvantaged urban communities. The participatory research design will examine four different forms of community initiative in deprived neighbourhoods of Manchester. It connects with the NDA programme themes of 'active ageing', 'autonomy and independence' and 'locality, place and participation'. The research will be interdisciplinary (informed by theoretical work in social and environmental gerontology, social/community psychology, health technology and community health) and collaborative (with partners from statutory and voluntary agencies). It aims to advance theoretical understanding of the social and community basis of active ageing and to develop policy guidelines for its promotion.

The research seeks to clarify the issues older people identify as important and the particular processes involved in promoting active ageing through different community initiatives. A longer project summary and further details of potential PhD projects can be accessed at: http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/fundingkeele.htm. However, the precise themes to be addressed in the projects are a matter for negotiation between supervisory teams and successful applicants.

Applications are invited from highly motivated graduates who have, or expect to gain, at least an MA/MSc or upper second class degree, who have a background in Healthcare, Sociology, Social Policy, Psychology or in another related subject. Candidates with a relevant Masters degree from an ESRC-recognised programme are strongly encouraged to apply.

The studentships will commence in January 2008, for three years leading to the award of a PhD. You will be joining a thriving community of around 40 postgraduate research students within the Research Institute for Life Course Studies, which aims to support and stimulate high quality research and enterprise by bringing together a multidisciplinary group of researchers working on a range of health and social concerns across the life course, from childhood through to old age. It draws on existing strengths at Keele in the fields of ageing (with one of the largest groups of researchers working in the field of gerontology in the UK), health, rehabilitation and well-being, children and families, and psychology.

The studentships cover a bursary (£12,600) and tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for 3 years. Informal enquiries and additional information may be directed by email to Professor Michael Murray: m.murray@keele.ac.uk

Please send a completed Application for a Research Studentship (found here: http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/do...on%20form.doc), and a completed application form (found here: http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/pr...us/appform.htm) with a detailed CV and the names and addresses of two academic referees to:
The Graduate School, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5AZ