SPORT SCIENCE: FULLY FUNDED ASTHMA UK PHD

Fully Funded Asthma UK PhD Scholarship: Location, location, location: identifying the trade-off between being active and being exposed to air pollution for children with asthma

This scholarship is funded by Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research.

Subject areas: Sport and Exercise Sciences

The health benefits associated with regular physical activity are well established. However, physical activity is likely to be associated with increased exposure to, and intake of, air pollution, negating some or potentially all of these health benefits. Those with asthma are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, with children most susceptible of all. Consequently, many children with asthma consciously avoid being active due to a fear of triggering an exacerbation. It is therefore imperative that we identify strategies that allow children with asthma to safely engage in physical activity whilst minimising their exposure to air pollution. To do this, we need to understand air pollution exposure patterns in children and their relationship with their health, as well as working with children to co-design an intervention to ensure optimal behaviour change. This intervention is aimed at promoting physical activity in a pollution-sensitive manner for those with asthma. If you would like to discuss this timely, interdisciplinary PhD opportunity funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, please get in touch with Dr Melitta McNarry.

Supervisors:

• Dr Melitta McNarry, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University
• Dr Kelly Mackintosh, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University
• Professor Jonathan Grigg, Queen Mary University of London

In collaboration with:

• Professor Gwyneth Davies, Swansea University Medical School
• Professor Paul Lewis, Schools of Medicine and Management, Swansea University

Candidates should hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree (or its equivalent) in Sports Science or similar relevant discipline. An MSc in related subject area is desirable but not essential.

Additional desirable criteria are:

• Experience working with children
• A good understanding of, and competency with, technology and IT
• Demonstrable data analysis experience
• Ability to work independently

We would normally expect the academic and English Language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) to be met by point of application. For details on the University’s English Language entry requirements, please visit – http://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Please note that EU/international students are welcome to apply, but should note that they will have to pay the difference between the home (UK) fee and the institutional international student fee.

NB: If you are holding a non-UK degree, please see Swansea University degree comparisons to find out if you meet the eligibility.

If you have any questions regarding your academic eligibility based on the above comparison, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees (£4,407 per annum in 2020/2021) for 3 years and an annual stipend at the RCUK rate of £15,285 (2020/2021) per annum.

There will be additional funds available for conference attendance.

Please note that EU/international students are welcome to apply, but should note that they will have to pay the difference between the home (UK) fee and the institutional international student fee. 

To apply, please complete and submit the following documents to Dr Melitta McNarry (m.mcnarry@swansea.ac.uk):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• A Personal statement detailing your research interests and reasons for applying for this PhD
• Two written academic references

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Melitta McNarry (m.mcnarry@swansea.ac.uk).