Fully Funded PhD Studentship at Bournemouth University in UK 2018/19

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University working in partnership with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (DCH) is offering a Matched-Funded PhD Studentship. To apply for this Studentship you must be a midwife registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK) and eligible to practice.

The successful candidate will spend two days per week working as a midwife at DCH and 3 days per week working on the PhD research study. The Studentship is for 4 years, which will begin in September 2018. Students will be supported by an annual £14,777 stipend and an additional sum to support training and development costs during the Studentship.

The PhD research project will adopt a case study methodology to understand the barriers and challenges to implementing UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) standards at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and to inform efforts to improve breastfeeding rates (at 6 weeks). Objectives are to: 

[1] Explore the experiences of maternity staff when using the BFI standards.

[2] Observe maternity staff in practice when involved with infant feeding practices.

[3] Explore the experiences of women in respect of infant feeding support and choices. 

The project outcomes include: developing a range of options / strategies to address the challenges and barriers identified.

It's a fully-funded scholarship which includes a maintenance grant of £14,777 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 48 months. Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.

Applicants must:

[1] Preferably a 1st class honors degree and/or a relevant Master's degree with distinction or equivalent.

[2]  An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) for candidates for whom

English is not their first language.

[3] Not be current BU Doctoral students.

BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.

Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (c. 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.