Liverpool John Moores University MPhil/PhD Studentship Health Inequalities

Liverpool John Moores University MPhil/PhD Studentship Health Inequalities

(Up to 3 years)
The studentship covers university fees at the UK/EU level and a stipend of £12,600 per annum.

Please quote Ref : B7372AC

The North West Public Health Observatory within the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University invites applications for an MPhil/PhD studentship to conduct a programme of research concerning relative and absolute inequalities in health.

It is well recognised that inequalities in wealth lead to inequalities in health. At a population level, many health indicators show a strong relationship with deprivation. In western societies it is not absolute poverty but an individual's perceived or actual rank in society that is linked to health. However while research has been carried out at an individual level using small-scale surveys, little has been done to utilise the enormity of geographical level data to explore this effect. This research programme will test the hypothesis that the deprivation of immediately surrounding localities relative to each locality is a predictor of ill health, and determine the strength of this relationship at different geographical levels. In doing so, it will utilise deprivation and health data available at the level of lower super output area, supplemented by national lifestyle data using modelling techniques. The research is highly quantitative and will require extensive application of multivariate statistical techniques and use of geographic information systems (GIS)

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in Health, Geography or other related or social science discipline. A relevant Masters degree would be an advantage (professional research experience would also be considered). The student will join an active team of analysts, researchers and information specialists within the NWPHO. The work programme will be supported by academics with specialist
expertise and networks, in addition to the to the support and development opportunities provided by the University Research and Graduate School and the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences.

The studentship covers university fees at the UK/EU level and a stipend of £12,600 per annum for full-time study up to three years. The student will register initially for the award of MPhil and will be expected to transfer to PhD registration within 12-15 months (subject to satisfactory progress and approval of the transfer report)

For an informal discussion, contact the Director of Studies for the research programme, Dr Karen Tocque (email: k.tocque@ljmu.ac.uk). To apply, please complete the application form for postgraduate study, and send with your CV (optional) and a cover letter explaining your interests and skills relating to this opportunity to Miss Elaine Steele, Castle House, North Street, Liverpool, L3 2AY
(e.m.steele@ljmu.ac.uk; 0151 231 4055). The closing date for applications is 23rd November 2007. Application forms are available from the following website: http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/RGSO/59300.htm

Closing date: 23 November 2007