PhD Opportunities
In CAHR we are seeking PhD applicants with a minimum of a 2.1 degree. We encourage candidates from various backgrounds to apply, including, nursing, allied health professionals, public health, digital health and health information. Registration takes place in September, January and May each year.
A limited number of PhD fellowships will be awarded in September 2024. These are advertised here.
The university is delighted to be offering 10 PhD widening participation scholarships each year for UK candidates.
For entry in September/October 2024, the scholarship will cover tuition fees (UK tuition fees), a stipend for 3.5 years of £19,367, and an annual research budget of £1,000 (years 1-3). Please note: these costs are based on the 2024/25 academic year and may change in future years.
All research areas are eligible, you can study anything, but please note some research areas, such as laboratory work, come with additional costs that will need to be funded separately.
Any UK candidates (or eligible for UK fees) are able to apply, however these scholarships are targeted at increasing participation from groups currently underrepresented within research and priority will be given to students that meet one or more of the below criteria. Priority will also be given to University of Salford graduates.
- Your home postcode (i.e. the postcode you used to apply to university through UCAS) is listed as a ‘1’ or ‘2’ in the POLAR4 column on the POLAR checking tool.
- You are from an ethnic group that is underrepresented in research careers (Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic).
- You identify as having a disability. The term ‘disability’ is quite broad, and further definitions of what might be considered a ‘disability’ can be found under the Equality Act 2010.
- You are a first-generation student (you are the first person in your family to go to university).
- You are a mature student (you were aged 21 or over when you started your first undergraduate course).
- You are care-experienced or an estranged student.
How do I apply?
All candidates who wish to apply for the MPhil or PhD widening participation scholarship will first need to apply for and be accepted onto a research degree programme. Applications should contain a research proposal (https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/guidance-on-writing-a-research-proposal), a personal statement, your CV, and references.
As long as you have submitted your completed application for September/October 2024 intake by 28 February 2024 and you qualify for UK fees, you will be sent a very short scholarship application. This form must be returned by 28 March 2024.
Your completed scholarship application form will be considered in conjunction with your research programme application (including your proposal, personal statement, CV, references, and interview outcome). The first stage will be a school level shortlisting process which will take place at the end of April/Start of May. Those candidates shortlisted by each school will be invited to meet the central selection panel, between 20 and 23 May 2024, for a short discussion (~20 minutes) about the candidate’s motivation for applying and their aspirations for the programme. The panel will meet to make final decision the following week.
We are happy to discuss fellowship applications from other funding sources and employer or self-financed opportunities.
A list of suggested PhD projects is available below. This isn’t an exhaustive list, so also please feel free to contact theme leads to explore other ideas. For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Alison Brettle (a.brettle@salford.ac.uk)
DIGITAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL IMAGING
Technical Fluency in Medical Imaging
Medical imaging is some of the most advanced technologies in healthcare, yet evidence has shown that the workforce finds it difficult to keep up with the fast pace of the introduction of this technology, especially in recent years. The introduction of AI and the disconnect between acquisition and image presentation due to the improvement in data and system capabilities has led to a risk in terms of data optimisation and radiation protection.
We are looking for candidates to evaluate the most advanced image acquisition technologies, we have projects available in most imaging modalities (CT, general, mammography and ultrasound), both quantitative and qualitative projects. Projects could involve evaluating the technology itself, the impact on workflow, staff, and/or patients.
For further information please contact Dr Katy Szczepura (k.szczepura@salford.ac.uk)
Does a conspicuity index threshold exist for focal lesions in DICOM images?
Software has been developed at the University that measures the Conspicuity Index of Lesions.
Research suggests that measuring the conspicuity index (C.I.) of focal lesions within an image is more reflective of a clinical reader’s ability to perceive focal lesions than traditional physical measures such as contrast to noise (CNR) and signal to noise ratio (SNR). This Software has been validated to calculate the C.I. in DICOM images, however this work is currently limited in terms of its lack of evidence of correlation with observer performance measures.
We are looking for a candidate who could undertake a human observer study in any imaging modality which is used to diagnose focal lesions, those with computer programming skills would be an advantage. The project would involve validating and/or adapting the conspicuity index software.
For further information please contact Dr Katy Szczepura (K.Szczepura@salford.ac.uk)
Challenges and solutions for digital health
Digital transformation of health remains a priority for UK policy and strategy. However, successful implementation faces several challenges, including organizational knowledge and the assessment of digital readiness, strategic development and onboarding, as well as long-term engagement and sustainability. We are actively seeking candidates to contribute to a comprehensive body of work addressing these challenges and proposing effective solutions. Our expertise lies in understanding the dynamics of digital use/non-use, digital readiness, engagement strategies, and the process of digitizing care in a digital society
For further information please contact Professor Alison Brettle (a.brettle@salford.ac.uk) or Dr Cristina Vasilica (c.m.vasilica1@salford.ac.uk)
Information and knowledge within healthcare
Healthcare is a knowledge industry and to implement successful change, introduce technical innovation and improve quality of care, health organisations need to successfully manage information, evidence and knowledge. Whilst patients need to understand and have easy access to information to better mange their own health. We are seeking candidates who wish to explore how information, knowledge or evidence can contribute to improved health and health services.
For further information please contact: Professor Alison Brettle (a.brettle@salford.ac.uk)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) was originally developed by Professor Paul Gilbert to help people with high levels of shame and self-criticism. Compassionate mind interventions can help people develop compassion for themselves, be open to the compassion of others and develop compassion for others. There is increasing evidence that suggests that cultivating compassion for oneself and others can have a profound impact on our physiological, psychological, and social processes. Whilst CFT and CMT have shown promising results in both reducing distress and increasing wellbeing, to date there have been few ways for people to access these outside of accessing therapy or using a self-help book. Research suggests that self-guided, smart phone apps may help in reducing symptoms associated with psychological distress. Mobile technology could potentially play a role in helping support people cultivate self-compassion, reduce self-criticism and boost wellbeing. We are looking for candidates to build a body of work to support people’s ability to cultivate compassion via use of The Self-Compassion App or via a virtual reality programme.
For further information please contact Dr Elaine Beaumont (e.a.beaumont@salford.ac.uk)
Digital for all: a multidisciplinary approach to crowdsource strategies to close the gap in digital inequalities
This research incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, working with multiple stakeholders (e.g. local agencies and third-sector organizations) utilizing crowdsourcing strategies to explore successful initiatives, assess challenges, and propose strategies for leveraging crowdsourcing to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital resources and opportunities within communities.
This PhD opportunity also falls under the theme ‘Equity, Inequalities and Inclusivity’
For further information please contact Dr Cristina Vasilica (C.M.Vasilica1@salford.ac.uk) or Professor Vanessa Heaslip (V.A.Heaslip@salford.ac.uk)
Care Across the Lifecourse
Tissue Viability
The NHS manages 3.8 million patients with a wound each year, which is equivalent to 7% of the adult population. The economic, clinical, and social impact of wounds continues to rise and requires a structured approach to wound care, education, and related research.
We are looking for candidates to evaluate practices and technologies to advance the assessment, prevention and management of patients who are at risk of or present with wounds. Projects will include measurement of the impact on both patients and staff.
For further information please contact Dr Melanie Stephens (m.stephens@salford.ac.uk)
Surgical and New Technologies
The 21st century surgical world is immersed with new technologies and innovations to improve patient care. New technologies require hand and eye co-ordination and surgical skills development. There is an abundance of patient data available on the perioperative area which can be analysed to improve patient care.
We are looking for candidates to evaluate new technologies and innovations in surgery (e.g. keyhole surgeries, robotics, virtual reality, simulation). Any surgical database, cohort studies project which includes surgical assessment, prevention and management of patients undergoing any type of surgery. In addition, we would like projects focusing on sustainability in the perioperative area, mental health and wellbeing of patients and staff to reduce the anxiety and stress.
If you have any interesting projects on surgical perioperative area, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Bhuvana Bibleraaj (b.bibleraaj@salford.ac.uk)
LONG TERM CONDITIONS
Long-term conditions are increasingly prevalent, both in the UK and globally. Many people live for many years with a LTC, creating new opportunities and challenges for knowledge and research. Research conducted within this theme aims to improve people’s ability to manage their long-term conditions and improve their quality of life as well as reducing demand on health and social services. We are looking for candidates to build up a body of work to support people’s ability to self-manage their long-term condition.
For further information please contact Professor Paula Ormandy (p.ormandy@salford.ac.uk)
Digital technologies and social media have the potential to support people with long-term-conditions in self-managing their illness and leading a more fulfilling life. Our multi-disciplinary research in this area has already demonstrated considerable impact on patient’s with chronic kidney disease and we have begun to examine if these principles can be transferred to MS. We are looking for candidates to add to this body of evidence, either with these or other long-term-conditions.
For further information please contact Professor Paula Ormandy (p.ormandy@salford.ac.uk)
Digital technologies and social media have the potential to support people with long-term-conditions in self-managing their illness and leading a more fulfilling life. Our multi-disciplinary research in this area has already demonstrated considerable impact on patient’s with chronic kidney disease and we have begun to examine if these principles can be transferred to MS. We are looking for candidates to add to this body of evidence, either with these or other long-term-conditions.
We have particular expertise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and research across many areas of CKD including patient and carer experience, supportive care and frailty and links to other geriatric impairments. Projects in these areas would help build on current projects and advance the evidence base. We are also interested in the workforce delivering care to this population and projects to help build evidence of what skills and competencies are required would be welcomed.
This PhD opportunity also falls under the theme ‘Digital Health and Medical Imaging’
For further information please contact Professor Paula Ormandy (p.ormandy@salford.ac.uk) and Professor Helen Hurst (h.e.hurst@salford.ac.uk)
Advancing AI for patient-centric healthcare: A study on the optimization and acceptability of Artificial Intelligence to enhance information provision for individuals with Long-Term Conditions
Artificial intelligence can be tailored to effectively support patients with long-term conditions by providing personalized and relevant information. The study explores AI feasibility and optimization, stakeholders’ acceptance, ethical considerations, and the overall impact on information need.
This PhD opportunity also falls under the theme ‘Digital Health and Medical Imaging’
For further information please contact Dr Cristina Vasilica (C.M.Vasilica1@salford.ac.uk) or Professor Paula Ormandy (p.ormandy@salford.ac.uk)
Mental Health and Neurodiversity
To function well in society, people need to have good cognitive health, yet we know our cognitive abilities, such as our memory and attention abilities, underpinned by executive functions, can be adversely affected by life events. We are looking for candidates interested in investigating these cognitive abilities and are open to supervising projects investigating how social, emotional, environmental and developmental (including aging) factors can affect individuals’ cognitive abilities.
Please contact Dr Samantha Gregory (s.e.a.gregory@salford.ac.uk) or Dr Robert Bendall (r.c.a.bendall@salford.ac.uk) to find out more or discuss ideas.
We welcome candidates interested in exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the criminal justice system (e.g., offending behaviours; police investigative interviews; court; prison; secure care).
For further information please contact: Professor Clare Allely (c.s.allely@salford.ac.uk) or Dr David Gilbert (d.j.gilbert1@salford.ac.uk).
The early years provide the foundations for healthy development across the lifespan, and understanding the impact of digital media on children’s development is essential. We welcome candidates interested in child development in the digital age, parenting or teaching in the digital age, or the impact of digital media on neurodiverse children and young people (e.g., Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).
For further information please contact Dr Gemma Taylor (g.taylor4@salford.ac.uk)
Over the past decade, there has been an increasing need for mental health services to support children and young people (CYP). The pandemic resulted in a greater number of CYP presenting with mental health disorders, often in crisis and with complex needs requiring acute or intensive care within paediatric medical, CAMHS inpatient or inappropriately placed in adult services. A range of recent research studies and government-commissioned reports have laid out the nature and extent of the challenges facing children and young people and families, and organisations and staff trying to provide care for them. The government and NHS England have made transforming child mental health services a priority for UK policy and strategy. What is needed now is a generation of practice-based evidence and innovation to respond to these pressing challenges. We are actively seeking candidates to contribute to a comprehensive body of work addressing the range of challenges in the field of child and adolescent mental health and proposing effective solutions.
For further information please contact Dr Celeste Foster (c.m.foster@salford.ac.uk)