PhD Studentship: The Geography of Leisure of People with Dementia

Dementia is a global health challenge and the UK has been leading the world on research to understand how to help people live well with dementia. This project examines a hitherto neglected area of research to understand the spatial dimensions of the leisure behaviour of people with dementia.  Existing research suggests a time-space compression occurs as people with dementia see their condition progressively worsen and yet the evidence to understand time-space paths is weakly developed.  This studentship offers a candidate with appropriate skills in Geographical Information Systems software the opportunity to develop both a quantitative and qualitative understanding of the leisure lives of people with dementia and their carers/families through innovative research methods.  The project will join an existing research team working on this topic based at Hertfordshire Business School and the University of Exeter Business School, building on their research to develop an appropriate theoretical framework to structure the study.  It is expected that secondary and primary data collected from people with dementia and their carers will be used to illustrate the time-space challenges people with dementia face, including how they may substitute tourist travel with local leisure.  Knowledge and experience of using NVIVO and SPSS are highly desirable but training can be provided for suitable a suitable candidate.  It is also an expectation that the candidate will co-author a number of publications with the research team as the research progresses in high quality scholarly journals.   Travel and fieldwork costs will be covered including transcription costs, as will conference attendance and staff development activities for the appointee.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have at least an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline. A master degree in a relevant field will be advantageous.

The studentship is open to UK/EU and international applicants BUT only a domestic fee waiver will be offered for the project.

Funding information

Tax free stipend (currently £18,622 per annum for 2023-24) and a domestic fee waiver for the PhD for a period of 3 years.

How to apply

Applicants are required to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form
• A 2000 words research proposal;
• Two academic references;
• Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts;
• Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Please send completed applications to the Doctoral College using the following format in the email subject line: “Business School_studentship application_Page2”.

For enquiries concerning this studentship and the Business School please contact Professor Stephen Page.

Key dates

Closing date for applications: 30 November 2023

Interview dates: December 2023.

Studentship start date: by mutual negotiation early in 2024.