Understanding primary-secondary and childhood-adolescence transitions: the Wellbeing in Northern Ireland Schools (WiNIS) study.

Summary

This PhD will continue WiNIS, a longitudinal study of school-aged children living in Northern Ireland (NI) (previous data sweeps have been collected at age 8-9 and 10-11 years). The WiNIS survey includes a comprehensive battery of measures across several health domains including: health-related quality of life; mental and physical health, affluence, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, social media and relationships to explore how these determinants impact their wellbeing. This PhD will extend this study by re-administering the survey to the same sample at age 11-12 years (Year 8), enabling us to explore the wellbeing trajectories and outcomes in this cohort. This PhD will also investigate a key transitional time-period for this cohort as they navigate childhood-adolescent and primary-secondary transitions.

Objectives of the research are to:
1) contribute to our understanding of wellbeing as it applies to young people aged 11-12 years.
2) explore wellbeing during Year 8 and identify the factors that impact upon this.
3) assess what role the three core contexts of home, school and social relationships might play in impacting upon their wellbeing.
4) map the wellbeing trajectories and outcomes in this cohort.
5) utilise co-production approaches and develop partnerships with key stakeholders throughout the research process, and to make available robust evidence to inform policy and practice regionally.

This PhD study will adopt a mixed- methods, multi-phase design. Phase 1 will use qualitative methods to identify key factors relevant to the lives of NI schoolchildren as they progress through a key transitional time-point from the perspectives of young people, their family and schools. Phase 2 will use participatory research methods to explore the relevance and appropriateness of the WiNIS survey for young people aged 11-12 years. Phase 3 will involve recruitment and administration of the WiNIS survey to explore the wellbeing trajectories and outcomes in this cohort of NI schoolchildren (at two time-points during their Year 8 school year).

Please note: Applicants with a 2:1 degree in Psychology (or close to completion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.