PhD Program at Sheffield Hallam University (SCYPHeR – Exploring the barriers, challenges and facilitators to supporting children’s active involvement in their care in neurodisability services)
@Sheffield Hallam University posted 2 weeks ago in Mental health & wellbeing Email OpportunityOpportunity Description
About the Project
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake research to understand the barriers, challenges and facilitators to support children’s active involvement in leading and making decisions about their care in neurodisability services.
The overall aim of the research is to co-produce, with stakeholders, a logic model that will inform our understanding of the components required to develop future interventions to support the autonomy of children and young people with a neurodisability. Involving children and young people, and families in the research design is central to the studies participatory methods.
The proposed study will involve:
1. Establishing a stakeholder group of children and young people and parents/ caregivers to co-design the study
2. Mapping and evaluating current strategies that support children’s autonomy and active involvement in care decisions
3. Exploring how professionals (primarily occupational, speech and language, and physio therapists), support children and young people’s autonomy and active involvement in care within neurodisability service by: 1) Observations of care delivery to identify elements of practice that promote active involvement of children and young people in care; 2) Interviewing professionals, children and young people and families to find out their views and perceptions about involvement in care decisions.
While hosted at Sheffield Hallam University, the PhD will be linked to the Child, Young Person & Family Research Group Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research. The uniqueness of this scholarship is that the successful applicant will benefit from support from experienced researchers and practitioners from Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and The University Sheffield through the South Yorkshire Children & Young People’s Health Research (SCYPHeR) network
South Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Health Research | SCYPHeR | The University of Sheffield
The successful applicant will be granted membership to the SCYPHeR DTP network, where they will be able to access training and events designed to support their PhD journey including: SCYPHeRs multidisciplinary grand round seminar series; SCYPHeR sandpit and showcase events; and research methods master classes provided by SCYPHeR experts.
Supervisors and mentors: Prof Joanna Smith, Dr Kiersten Hay, Ms Samantha Armitage, and Dr J Thompson
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold a BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a health, psychology or social sciences related area. An MSc qualification in a related area is desirable, as would experience of working with clients or patients in a health settings.
International Students (Additional Information)
International applicants* will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:
1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme’s start date.
2. Educated with a UK Master’s degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme’s start date.
*Please note that UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you are a national of one of these countries you will not need to provide evidence as listed above.
Applying for studentship
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
- A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
- A personal statement – In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you:
- What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project?
- How did you come up with your project proposal?
- What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you?
- Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences.
- Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts (All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 minimum) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit minimum)).
- Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
- Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.
You will be assessed on your readiness for research study and the quality and feasibility of your research proposal. All suitable candidates are invited to an interview, which can take place in person or online. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study.
Please complete an online application form for October 2025, available here. Please indicate that you are applying for the SCYPHeR scholarship in the Personal Statement section of the application form.
For more information about this program visit this page, and for more informal discussion please contact the Director of Studies: Joanna Smith, Professor of Nursing in Child Health (Joanna.Smith@shu.ac.uk)
Closing date for applications: 17:00 (BST) 28th May 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.
Please e-mail: Health-PGR-admissions@shu.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Funding Notes
These scholarships are open to Home, EU and international applicants. However, the scholarship will cover the tuition fee to the Home student level only and students who are liable for the International tuition fee rate will be expected to provide the difference between the Home and International fees from another funding source. The shortfall between the Home and EU/ International fee, currently around £12,420 per year, must be covered by the student for the 3.5-year duration of the scholarship. No additional sources of funding are available for international applicants. In addition, please note that the stipend cannot be used to cover the fee difference.
South Yorkshire Children & Young People’s Health Research (SCYPHeR) Doctoral Training Programme (DTP): Successful applicants will be granted membership to the SCYPHeR DTP network, where they will be able to access training and events designed to support their PhD journey including: SCYPHeR’s multidisciplinary grand round seminar series; SCYPHeR sandpit and showcase events; and research methods master classes provided by SCYPHeR experts.
Additional Information on the opportunity
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Opportunity ID 9659