UK: Birkdale Trust PhD Studentship in Psychology

UK: Birkdale Trust PhD Studentship in Psychology, University of Manchester

University of Manchester
Birkdale Trust PhD Studentship
School of Psychological Sciences
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences

The growth of sexual understanding in deaf children.
The School of Psychological Sciences are inviting applications for a distinguished three-year Birkdale Trust funded PhD studentship available from April 2007. The project will provide an annual stipend of 14,000GBP plus full UK/EU tuition fees and a grant for consumables.

The majority of deaf children are placed within the mainstream of education. The perceptual affects of deafness present challenges that make this group of learners more vulnerable to misunderstanding or missing information in class. It is also recognised that the current system of Personal and Social Health Education (PSHE) is patchy, and in many schools delivered by under-trained, poorly prepared teachers. This can have a serious impact on the decisions children and young people make in their lives, such as becoming sexually active before they are ready as well as failing to understand the risk of unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (Martinez, 2006). This project will investigate the knowledge and understanding of deaf children regarding their sexual health. The project aims to bridge the gap between standard PSHE information available in mainstream schools and the specific needs of deaf learners in this area.

The successful candidate will have access to the vibrant postgraduate community within the Audiology and Deafness Research Group. Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates holding (or expecting to obtain) a 1st or upper 2nd class degree in psychology, social care, child development or other relevant subject area. Given the nature of the PhD it is expected that any candidate would hold excellent personal communication skills.

For further information about the research project please email Ms Wendy McCracken at: wendy.mccracken@manchester.ac.uk

Applications should be made in the form of a letter of application, CV and two completed references submitted to:

David Parry
Graduate Secretary
School of Psychological Sciences
2nd Floor, Zochonis Building
The University of Manchester
Brunswick Street
Manchester, M13 9PL

Email: david.parryatmanchester.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 275 2583
Website: http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 16 February 2007.