Using glucose sensing to guide lifestyle changes to encourage type 2 diabetes prevention
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Funding details: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/International (including EU at international rates from Sept 21)
Duration: Full time - between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 27 May 2023
Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2023
To find out more about the project, please contact Dr Maxine Whelan
Introduction
Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship focusing on using digital tools to promote positive lifestyle behaviours in people living with prediabetes (impaired glucose regulation).
Project details
Without lifestyle changes, most people with impaired glucose regulation have a high chance of reaching the hyperglycaemia threshold for type 2 diabetes. Combining biofeedback with behavioural advice could encourage diabetes prevention. This doctoral project will investigate the role of biofeedback and integrated lifestyle advice in people with impaired glucose regulation to support better glucose management. This PhD project will comprise a systematic review, an assessment of validity and reliability of a system delivering biofeedback, a qualitative study involving people living with impaired glucose regulation and a feasibility study of an intervention. The long-term impact of this PhD is to cascade a new intervention into existing standard care (NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme) to help prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
Funding
Tuition fees, stipend and additional allowances.
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
- A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.
PLUS
- the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.
For further details please visit: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/
Additional requirements
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and also as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Willingness to travel nationally and/or internationally, and to work flexibly.
- Interest in digital health and/or behavioural interventions
How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Maxine Whelan (maxine.whelan@coventry.ac.uk). Maxine is more than happy to answer questions or clarify anything so please don’t hesitate to get in touch before applying.
All applications require full supporting documentation, and a covering letter – plus an up-to 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Apply to Coventry University
