UK: Phd Studentship in Medical Science

Deadline: Apply as soon as possible

University of Exeter -Exeter Medical School

The Roles Of Perseverative Negative Cognitive Processes In Predicting Depression In People With Long Term Conditions (LTCs)

This studentship is based at Exeter and will be jointly supervised by Professor Chris Dickens of the University of Exeter Medical School and Professor Ed Watkins of the Mood Disorders Centre.

We are seeking to attract PhD candidates of outstanding ability to join our exciting and rapidly expanding programme of internationally rated research. 

This PhD will concern the psychological factors that predict the onset of depression in people with long term conditions (LTCs). Depression is common in people with LTCs and associated with negative health outcomes. Among physically healthy populations perseverative negative cognitive processes, such as worry, rumination, thought suppression/avoidance, have been shown to predict the onset, maintenance and relapse of depression, and have been used as targets for novel psychological interventions. However, these processes have not received significant research attention among people with LTCs.

The PhD will involve a series of inter-related studies that aim to elucidate the relationship of perseverative negative cognitive processes with depression in people with LTCs. It would be very suitable if you have a background in a psychology or a related discipline and will equip you in a range of research skills, including standardised assessments of relevant psychological constructs and analysis of prospective data.

The research protocol will be developed by the successful candidate with the support of the supervisors.

The stipend covers tuition fees at the home rate. Candidates from countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between 'home student fees' and 'international student fees'. If you wish to be considered for this studentship you must confirm that you are able to pay the international portion of the fee.

How to apply

In order to be eligible to apply you are required to hold a minimum 2:1 degree (or international equivalent). International students must also have IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7 and above (or equivalent qualification).

Please visit our online studentship application system in order to apply. As part of the application process you will be required to submit a 2,000 word research proposal which identifies the general question(s) the research will address; how this extends upon previous work in that field; and the studies you would plan to conduct.

It is expected that interviews will be held in early/mid-November.

For an informal discussion, please contact: Professor Chris Dickens on 01392 726013 orchris.dickens@pcmd.ac.uk.

Start date: 1st January 2013 (or earlier date by negotiation)

Value

£13,590 (based on full time 12/13 rate) per year for 3 years

The stipend covers tuition fees at the home rate. Candidates from countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between 'home student fees' and 'international student fees'. If you wish to be considered for this studentship you must confirm that you are able to pay the international portion of the fee.