PhD studentship - Dementia Friendly Flying- improving experiences for people with dementia and their carers

Apply now: PhD opportunity beginning April 2016.

Project title: Dementia Friendly Flying

Director of Studies: Dr Alison Warren, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy Alison.warren@plymouth.ac.uk  https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/alison-warren

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Katrina Bannigan, Reader in Occupational Therapy Katrina.bannigan@plymouth.ac.uk

3rd Supervisor:  Mr Ian Sherriff Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia , Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/ian-sherriff

Applications are invited for a three year PhD studentship that is an exciting opportunity to study in a pre-determined area with a post-doctoral team in the School of Health Professions. The studentship will commence in April 2016.

Project description

Flying for people with dementia and their carers can be a valuable and meaningful occupation that enhances quality of life. Dementia is becoming more prevalent within the ageing population of the UK and concern has been expressed regarding the safety and quality of flight experiences for this client group.  

This PhD aims to develop an evidence based intervention to improve the flight experiences for people with dementia and their carers through

• Exploring the experiences of flying for people with dementia to delineate the components of dementia friendly flying


• Developing an aircrew dementia training resource and best practice guidelines for airlines


• Evaluation of the acceptability of the intervention

Eligibility

Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in occupational therapy or a relevant healthcare profession and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification. Experience and interest of working with people with dementia and their carers is desirable.

The studentship is supported for three years and includes full home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £14,057 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £10,800 per annum)

Application details

For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/the-graduate-school/applicants-and-enquirers

• a completed application form


• C.V. with two references (one should be an academic reference)


• A covering letter detailing your suitability for the studentship explaining how your prior experience and qualifications relates to the area of inquiry (800 word limit)


• An outline of the methods and timeline needed to complete the project described (400 word limit)


• Candidates who do not have English as a first language are required to provide an IELTS test report that must be dated within two years of the start of the programme. Overall IELTS score of 7.0 required, with not less than 6.5 in each of the four components.

For more information on the admissions process contact administrator Sarah Carne  sarah.carne@plymouth.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 10^th February 2016. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on Wednesday 24^th February.