The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
Ageing is a growing concern in many countries, with projections suggesting that older adults (aged 65+) will comprise 25% of the population by 2035. Although people are living longer, they are not necessarily living well. Many older adults are at risk of social isolation, which is associated with poor health and well-being. Given these projections and consequences, solutions that help older adults to stay connected are paramount. Drawing from the social identity approach to health and well-being and knowledge about arts practice, this PhD project will investigate how and why participatory arts interventions (e.g., music, drawing, theatre, writing) help older adults to stay connected and age well.
Building on our recent work showing that increases in arts and community identification, and decreases in age identification, were associated with well-being for older adults taking part in remote arts activities over time (Howlin, Quinn, & Jones, 2022), we propose that identity change – where individuals revise how they understand themselves as individuals and in relation to groups - may be a key driver of well-being. More precisely, engagement in arts activities may lead individuals to challenge their conceptions of ageing and to feel connected to the arts and their communities in ways that promote connection and support well-being.
Through a review of the literature, analyses of secondary datasets (e.g., Understanding Society), and longitudinal surveys with participants in Entelechy Art’s Meet Me at The Albany (MMA) program, this project will investigate how different types of group-based identities (i.e., age, arts, community) change and their role(s) in reducing isolation, and facilitating health and well-being over time. Findings will provide insights into the processes through which arts engagement helps older adults to age well within their communities. If successful, this project will support the further development of an impact case on the arts, health and well-being.
This studentship is open to students applying for CONACyT funding. CONACyT will provide a contribution towards your tuition fees each year and Queen Mary will waive the remaining fee. CONACyT will pay a stipend towards living costs to its scholars. Further information can be found here: https://conacyt.mx/convocatorias/convocatorias-becas-al-extranjero/
Please refer to the CONACyT website here: https://conacyt.mx/convocatorias/convocatorias-becas-al-extranjero/ for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with, or who are expecting to be awarded, a an upper-second or first class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in Psychology.
A Master’s degree in an area related to the project(e.g., social psychology, health psychology, psychogerontology) is strongly preferred although not strictly essential.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis would be a definite asset.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English language ability. Please see our English language requirements page for details: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/englishlanguagerequirements/postgraduateresearch/
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Janelle Jones at j.jones@qmul.ac.uk
Applicants will need to complete an online application form to be considered, including a CV, personal statement and qualifications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the project supervisor. Those who are successful in their application for our PhD programme will be issued with an offer letter which is conditional on securing a CONACyT scholarship (as well as any academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements).
Once applicants have obtained their offer letter from Queen Mary they should then apply to CONACyT for the scholarship as per their requirements and deadlines, with the support of the project supervisor.
Only applicants who are successful in their application to CONACyT can be issued an unconditional offer and enrol on our PhD programme.
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