Applications are invited for a Ph.D. studentship to begin in October 2013. The studentship will cover tuition fees for UK/EU students and a maintenance grant comparable with UK Research Council studentships. International Students from outside the EU may also apply, but will be liable for the difference between UK/EU and International (OS) tuition fees (UK/EU: £3,900, OS: £16,990 – 2013/14 rate, subject to annual increase).

The successful applicant would be based in in the Academic Unit Psychology at the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, and be supervised by Professor Alarcos Cieza, who leads a internationally-renowned research group with focus on mental health and disability.

Epidemiological shifts in disease patterns across Europe and an ageing population have made the need for clarity about the nature of health and disability more essential than ever. The goal of the research to be carried out in the scope of this studentship is to develop and implement an innovative understanding of the difference between health and disability, to determine the psychological factors that play a crucial role in disability and the nature of this role, and to implement statistical models that would make it possible to account for both the complexity and intrinsic dynamics of disability as it changes over time in a person’s life.

Candidates should have:

-  a postgraduate degree in psychology or in a mental health related area with at least a 2.1 in their first degree;

-  advanced English language skills (written and oral);

-  excellent statistical knowledge including Item Response Theory and Rasch analyses;

-   previous research experience;

-   high level of motivation;

-   excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.

The deadline for applications is 5 pm on the 30^th June 2013. 

If you have specific questions or would like to request more information about the above research, please contact Prof. Alarcos Cieza at a.cieza@soton.ac.uk       

Prospective candidates are required to apply for this studentship using the University of Southampton on-line application system. A copy of the on-line application form and guidance notes can be found at the following website at the apply button below.

Please indicate in the funding section of the application form that you wish to be considered specifically for this studentship (please make reference to Professor Alarcos Cieza), and

e-mail Claire Caffrey (psych-pgr.fshs@soton.ac.uk) to indicate you have applied.

For any enquiries about the application process, please contact Professor Alarcos Cieza (e-mail: a.cieza@soton.ac.uk) or the Graduate School Administrative Officer, Claire Caffrey (e-mail: psych-pgr.fshs@soton.ac.uk; Tel 02380 593476).