PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Health, Social Work and Sport - Sustainable Models of Nature Based Social Prescribing in Lancashire and South Cumbria

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Social Prescribing Unit, within the School of Health, Social Work and Sport. The studentship is funded through the school and be part of the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International applicants may apply but EU/International applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (2024/25 rate £19,237 per year) subject to satisfactory progress.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence September 2024.

Project description:

This project aims to explore and inform sustainable Nature Based Social Prescribing (NBSP) in Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC).

An initial literature review will explore evidence, academic research, and grey literature to identify how NBSP can be created in a sustainable way and used within salutogenic approaches to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing. Specific examples connecting to Integrated Care Systems (ICS) in the UK will be illustrated, and research gaps explored in order to develop solutions based on the community enhanced social prescribing model (Morris et al., 2020) and existing models of social prescribing in the LSC ICS commissioning footprint.

Utilising an asset-based approach (ABCD) and asset-based leadership, a mixed methods/ Participant Action Research (PAR)/coproduced methodology will be adopted prioritising the input of people who face significant barriers to NBSP and those who would benefit most from the findings such as the future users and leaders of NBSP across LSC.

The studentship will demonstrate change(s) supporting the NBSP agenda within Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) level and will draw from ongoing research in the field. For example, outputs from the UCLan NBSP collaboration (March 2024 & subsequent outputs), Local Nature Recovery strategy (LNRs) (due 2024), and National strategies and reports including work on the Shared Investment Fund (National Academy of Social Prescribing).

The outcomes of the research have potential for job creation across the ICS and beyond. Through learning, evidencing, and supporting place-based solutions, this will support future research bids, create additional research projects and interventions.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to ([email protected] & [email protected] ).

For the full details go to: www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system , selecting the following options:

• Type of Study - Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus - Preston Campus
• Mode of Study - Full Time

Please quote the studentship reference number DTC01-24-01 on the online application form.

Proposed interview date: TBC

Expected start date: 23rd September 2024

Current UCLAN research students will not be eligible to apply for this research studentship