PhD Studentship on the contribution made by service users to the learning opportunities for nursing students

PhD Studentship University of Central Lancashire - School of Health
Reference Number: RS/12/05

Applications are invited for this PhD studentship which has been funded by the Higher Education Academy and The School of Health. The studentship is tenable for up to 3 years for a PhD (via MPhil route) subject to satisfactory progress. The studentship will cover the cost of tuition fees for UK/EU residents plus a maintenance grant of £13,590. The successful applicant will start on 1 October 2012.

International applicants may apply but will be expected to pay the difference between the UK/EU and International Fee Rate.

Project Title: Shifting Perceptions, Developing Dialogues and Relationships: an appreciative exploration of the tripartite relationship (student-lecturer-service user) and the particular contribution made by service users to the learning opportunities for nursing students

Project Description: The shift to involve service users in the education of nursing students is generally seen as a positive move. However, there is insufficient good quality evidence that robustly examines and problematizes service user engagement and its impact on the three key stakeholders (students, service users and lecturer/mentor). The aim of this study is to appreciatively explore the tripartite relationship (student-lecturer/mentor-service user) central to the learning opportunities for nursing students and examine whether this does shift perceptions, develop dialogues and relationships. The study will be situated in the School of Health at the University of Central Lancashire and in particular will focus on undergraduate pre-registration nursing programmes. This study will use a mixed methods approach underpinned by the principles of Appreciative Inquiry. The study will involve: (1) a series of appreciative workshops - at the start and at the end of the fieldwork - with students, staff and service users; (2) Observation of learning and teaching; (3) Interviews with a selection of the students; and (4) Design and implementation of new model(s) of service user engagement. The study will involve working with a small steering group of stakeholders. Analysis and interpretation of data will draw on thematic analysis and narrative analysis.

Informal enquiries about the posts can be made to Professor Bernie Carter, email bcarter@uclan.ac.uk tel: 01772 893720

Applicants should have or expect to receive first degree (Honours) in a relevant subject (for example, Nursing, Health, Education, Social Sciences) at 2.1 or above. Particular consideration will be given to candidates with a Master's degree in a relevant subject. Requests for an application pack (quoting the reference number RS1205) should be directed to the Graduate Research School Office. Tel: 01772 895082 or email: researchdegrees@uclan.ac.uk Closing Date: 27 July 2012 Proposed Interview Date: 16 August 2012