Funded PhD Studentship in Dance, Communities and Wellbeing

College of Health, Medicine and Life SciencesFunded PhD Studentship in Dance, Communities and Wellbeing

The Centre for Health and Wellbeing across the Lifecourse at Brunel University London is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in partnership with New Adventures dance-theatre company to build a programme theory of wellbeing for New Adventures’ community dance strategy related to the flagship production of Matthew Bourne’s iconic Swan Lake, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. The research will identify the conditions and mechanisms by which community dance achieves its wellbeing outcomes and will build evidence of the impact of an extensive programme of movement and dance activity in different places with diverse participants across the UK. The proposed PhD will ensure the development of an evidence-led framework for supporting the values of New Adventures in ensuring wide accessibility for people in different places to watch adventurous performances, take part in creative movement projects and become part of the New Adventures family of performers, professional practitioners and participants.

Based in the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences the PhD is jointly funded with New Adventures and the studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £21,237 plus Home tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months.

The start date will be 1 October 2024

Overview

The PhD studentship will involve participatory community dance methodologies across multiple sites in the UK and interviews with key stakeholders in community dance including strategic decision makers, dance venue managers, dance leaders and dance professionals. This will lead to the design and delivery of workshop activities to coproduce a programme theory of wellbeing or community dance.

The successful candidate will be supervised by an expert interdisciplinary team of researchers and who will provide full training for the research.

For informal discussions contact Professor Louise Mansfield ([email protected] ).

Eligibility

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in dance, sport and exercise science or a related field. A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable. Experience in qualitative research in areas relating to physical activity, dance and/or community studies Is essential. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to [email protected] by 19 August 2024.

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
• A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing interview week commencing 2nd September 2024 date Shortlisted applicants will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.

For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Office on [email protected] .