Studentships

Mapping the phenomenology, circumstances and impacts of paranormal experiences

• £14,500 per annum and tuition fees for 3 years

Applications are invited for two fully-funded PhD Studentships to undertake research in the area of the psychology of anomalous experiences. These studentships will commence on October 1, 2024 and the successful candidates will be based within the Centre for Psychology & Social Sciences (CP&SS) at The University of Northampton, Northampton, UK and will be supervised by Prof Chris Roe.

Parapsychology is concerned with “the scientific study of experiences which, if they are as they seem to be, are in principle outside the realm of human capabilities as presently conceived by conventional scientists”. Despite the scientific mainstream remaining sceptical concerning their ontology, the general public consistently report high levels of belief that ‘paranormal’ phenomena are real and frequently claim to have had personal experience of them. It is the task of parapsychology to account for those beliefs and experiences by thoroughly documenting their occurrence and constructing explanations that are amenable to testing under controlled conditions. The current project is part of an effort to better understand the circumstances, phenomenology and impacts of anomalous experiences by employing a mixed methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The new posts will map onto two of the following strands/topic areas:

• After-death communications
• End-of-life experiences
• Spiritual healing

Applications: Applications are welcomed from candidates who meet the following criteria:

• with a first degree (first, upper second or equivalent) and/or Master’s degree in Psychology or a related field..

Candidates should have:

• A master’s degree or a first- or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in Psychology or a related field
• Some familiarity with research methods and findings in parapsychology
• Strong verbal and written commutation skills
• Evidence of English Language proficiency (IELTS 7 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any element, or equivalent) if your first language is not English
• The ability to carry out research tasks independently and as part of a team
• The ability to travel to partner sites and academic events in the UK and elsewhere
• Availability to start in October 2024 and to attend induction at the University in November 2024

Each studentship will cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of £14,500 per annum, and includes an additional research budget to cover sundry expenses, including conference attendance. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain experience of teaching in HE at standard rates of payment. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the activities of the Exceptional Experiences and Consciousness Studies Research Group that sits within the CP&SS.

The University of Northampton has a well-established development programme run by its Graduate School. This programme covers research methodologies and softer skills such as academic writing and presentation skills. Within each of the university’s faculties, a further programme of more discipline-specific events is also offered. The University also promotes continuing professional development (CPD) and provides access to development for staff at all levels.

• Deadline for applications: 5 August 2024
• Interviews: 28-30 August 2024, tbc
• Start date: 1 October 2024, subject to any notice period

Informal enquiries: Prof Chris Roe chris.roe@northampton.ac.uk

The Orchard Project – Engaging the local community in positive Brain Health and the early identification of cognitive decline.

The University of Northampton Dementia Research & Innovation Centre (NDRIC), in partnership with North Northamptonshire County Council (Public Health), is seeking to appoint a PhD student for an innovative applied project being carried out in conjunction with a Community Centre in the North Northamptonshire Area.

Working alongside the Community Centre’s desire to further enhance their dementia friendly practice offer, the student will work in partnership with the Community Centre to:

• a) develop a model of support and outreach programme that can be potentially rolled out to other such services in subsequent years – a hub and spoke model of activity.
• b) co-design and produce a series of specifically designed public awareness activities and events related to the maintenance of positive Brain Health and the early identification of cognitive decline. Groups who may be invited to attend the programme could include, local schools, faith groups, voluntary, third sector, and community organisations, businesses, and BAME groups.
• c) evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the programme over a 24th month period. The specific nature of the evaluation will be negotiated by the PhD Student and Supervisors with the Project Commissioner from North Northamptonshire County Council.

The student will be a highly enthusiastic, independent, and creative thinker who can demonstrate evidence of working with a range of external stakeholders, including businesses and local organisations, the voluntary sector, community groups, people with dementia and carers. Good communication, negotiation, problem-solving and solution-focussed skills are essential.

The PhD Studentship will sit within NDRIC in the Faculty of Health Education and Society. They will also be embedded within the large postgraduate research student community, working across the areas of science, technology, the arts, education, health, social sciences, business and law. Based at our state of the art Waterside Campus near the centre of Northampton, our doctoral students enjoy excellent facilities including a dedicated workspace. In the 2020 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, the University was rated number 1 in the UK for student satisfaction.

Applicants should develop a proposal for a PhD project, which should be included with their application: guidance on writing a proposal can be found on our Writing a research degree proposal page.

Applications: Applications are welcomed from candidates with a first degree (first, upper second or equivalent) or Master’s degree in a relevant subject. Evidence of English Language proficiency (IELTS 7 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any element, or equivalent) is required if your first language is not English.

The applicant must

• Be a home student, eligible for UK-rate fees.
• Apply for full or part-time on-site PhD study.
• Available to start in October 2024 and  able to attend Induction at the University in October 2024.
• Applications from people experienced working with people with dementia and/or carers are strongly encouraged.

The funding available includes tuition fees for 5 years (plus £500 annual research expenses budget).

• Deadline for applications: 18 August 2024
• Interviews: 30 August 2024
• Start date: October 2024

Informal enquiries: Email Prof. Jacqueline Parkes, Lead for NDRIC at Jacqueline.parkes@northampton.ac.uk.

How to apply 

In the first instance you should read through our Research degree application checklist, and entry requirements listed below.

Apply using the University of Northampton application link.

Entry Requirements:

​As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their international equivalent:

• an upper second-class or higher undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject to the proposed area of research or a Masters degree in a relevant subject to the proposed area of research​.

English Language Requirements:
​If English is not your first language you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing, and 6.5 in all other sub-skills (or equivalent English proficiency qualification) at postgraduate research level.

Once you have read through the above information you then need to make an application online directly to the University, so we may determine if you are eligible for the course.  This is a free online application service.

With your application we recommend providing the following documentation:

• Personal Statement – to indicate their suitability for the post
• CV
• two references – please note: your referee is unable to be a member of your potential Research Supervisory team
• photocopies or scans of your undergraduate degree certificate and transcript
• photocopies or scans of your Masters certificate and transcript
• evidence of English language ability (where English is not the first language)
• copy of your passport
• change of name document, if your application and certificates or passport are in different names

MRes Tuition Fee Bursary Project: Identifying the mechanisms to implement Move Northamptonshire – the county-wide framework to tackle physical inactivity. Lead: Assoc. Prof. Declan Ryan

Northamptonshire Sport are proud to provide an MRes tuition fee bursary for the 2024/25 academic year. The prospective student will work in collaboration with Northamptonshire Sport, Associate Professor Declan Ryan and James Mason to undertake a qualitative project. The project forms part of the evaluation for Move Northamptonshire, which is a countywide framework to tackle physical inactivity. The prospective student will undertake interviews with senior leaders in the county to explore their views about Move Northamptonshire and the mechanisms required to implement the framework across the system. In addition, the prospective student will survey partners involved in the delivery of physical activity across the county to identify what support structures can be put in place to support their buy-in and use of Move Northamptonshire.

Applicants need to be UK-home students, have experience in qualitative research, and need to submit a proposal outlining their study design to meet the above requirements of the project (a proposal template is provided in the application process).

The deadline for applications is 9 August 2024, with shortlisting interviews between 22-26 August 2024, for a September 2024 start date.

For any queries, please contact Assoc. Prof. Declan Ryan.

Understanding inequalities in access to the OTAGO ‘Get up and Go’ strength and balance exercise programme in Northamptonshire

The prospective student will work in collaboration with Northamptonshire Sport, North and West Northants Councils’ Public Health Teams, and Dr Melinda Spencer to undertake a mixed-methods project. The prospective student will complete a study which will include: a literature review to understand the barrier and enabling factors of access to community-based strength and balance exercise programmes; review of existing service data to identify inequalities in access; and undertaking interviews with the identified communities or populations to understand their views. This project would support service delivery of the OTAGO ‘Get up and Go’ programme and reducing health inequalities.

Applicants need to be UK-home students, have experience in quantitative and qualitative research, and need to submit a proposal outlining their study design to meet the above requirements of the project (a proposal template is provided in the application process).

The application deadline is 9th August 2024, with short-listing interviews between 22nd – 26th August 2024, for a September 2024 start date. For any queries, please contact Dr Melinda Spencer.