ESRC Funded 1+3 Studentship (Prof Bob Woods)
Applications are invited for a fully funded 1+3 Masters course followed by a PhD Studentship for 4 years full time study registered in the School of Psychology at Bangor University (start date 1st October 2010) under the supervision of Prof Bob Woods and co-supervision of Prof Linda Clare.

The student will undertake an ESRC recognized MSc (MSc in Psychological Research link to http://www.bangor.ac.uk/psychology/postgraduate/masters/psych_res.php?catid=&subid=7704) for 1 year prior to starting the PhD programme (3 years), and the entrance criteria will initially be for entrance onto the MSc.

The studentship includes payment of UK / EU level tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of approximately £13,590 p.a. and a research allowance of £750 p.a.

Project
The precise focus and scope of the project will be influenced by discussions between the student and the supervisory team. However, at this stage it is envisaged that the project will focus on those identified as having some degree of cognitive impairment, but not extensive enough to constitute a dementia. CFAS methodology provides a number of operational definitions that can be applied to generate samples having a given degree of impairment. The study will initially use data from the main study to identify the relationship of this impairment to indicators of health, mood and well-being, comparing this relationship across the different operational definitions.

It will then go onto to carry out qualitative interviews with participants purposively sampled to have a range of mood scores and health problems, but similar levels of cognitive impairment. These interviews will explore the relationship of health, mood and cognitive impairment. It will seek to identify the influence of multiple co-morbidities on cognitive impairment and to identify people with mild cognitive impairment that is primarily characterized by increased anxiety and worry, with a view to considering and developing possible interventions.

Whilst the project will make use of data collected routinely on each participant in the project, the analysis relating specifically to mild cognitive impairment, health status, mood and well-being do not form part of the main project plan, and the student would then go onto carry out and analyze their own focused qualitative interviews. The project will add to the overall project aim of enhancing understanding of the relationship of cognitive changes generally to biopsychosocial factors.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed either in person or by telephone between July 8th-14th and appointment is subject to a clear enhanced CRB check. The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday, 7th July 2010.

Informal enquiries should be made to either Prof Bob Woods (b.woods@bangor.ac.uk) or Prof Linda Clare (l.clare@bangor.ac.uk).

How to Apply
Applicants must have a first or upper second-class honours degree in Psychology or a related subject and we would normally expect applicants to have completed a Masters degree. International students are welcome to apply. However, our studentships only cover fees at the UK/EU level. The School offers a fee bursary of up to £4500 p.a. for exceptional international students.

Applicants should complete an application form which should be saved and returned to: cat.roberts@bangor.ac.uk or:

Ms Catrin Roberts
PhD Admissions and Events
School of Psychology, Bangor University
Penrallt Road
Bangor
Gwynedd, LL57 2AS
UK

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Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the above information is current and correct. However, applicants should contact the appropriate administering body before making an application, as details do change frequently.