The PhD Student is anticipated to spend at least 6 months of the total period of the program at Coventry University, with the remainder of the program based at Deakin University.

The supervision team will be drawn from the two Universities.

Project details

There is not seen to be a one size fits all approach to managing midlife changes in women, but rather a tool kit of synergistic strategies is needed. Women need to be empowered to understand symptoms and how to manage menopause. Doing so will give women a better chance in preventing type 2 diabetes. In this PhD, we recognise that people’s perceptions and actions are influenced in part by how we, as a society, communicate; particularly by what we hear, read and see. Concerningly, not all of the information being shared online and through media outlets is accurate. Research can be misrepresented and concepts conflated, leading women to unrealistic expectations around menopause treatments and health risks. For example; “HRT will protect my future health so I wont need to focus as much on a healthy lifestyle”. Sharing accurate information is crucial. Midlife women can better understand what is happening and make informed decisions. Empowering women through brief education and peer support is pertinent but frequently neglected. Increasing during midlife years, women are at heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Adapting an existing diabetes prevention programme to address the menopause is one pathway worth exploring for giving support at scale.

Funding

Tuition fees and Deakin University stipend ($27,256 AUD).

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. 

Candidate specification

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme.

Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).
A Masters degree in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Merit level. In addition, the mark for the Masters dissertation (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%. Please note that where a candidate has a 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first – class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer – reviewed publications, research – related awards or prizes and/ or professional reports.
Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
The potential to engage in innovative research and complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study

For an overview of each University’s entry requirements please visit:

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/cotutelle-phd-programmes/

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-degrees-and-PhD/research-degree-entry-pathways

Please note that it is essential that applicants confirm that they are able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia).

Additional requirements

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and also as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Interest in menopause and diabetes prevention.

How to apply

To find out more about the project please contact Dr Maxine Whelan ad5094@coventry.ac.uk

All applications require a covering letter and a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

All candidates must apply to both Universities.

To apply to Deakin University, please visit: http://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/how-to-apply-research-degrees

Apply to Coventry University