Funding
Self-funded
Project code
HSSW1571015
Department
School of Health and Care ProfessionsStart dates
October, February and April
Application deadline
Applications accepted all year round
Applications are invited for a self-funded 3-year full-time or 6-year part-time PhD project to commence in October or February.
Shock-absorbing floors in clinical settings are designed to reduce fall-related injuries for older people. But this type of flooring has wider implications on the health care system – and a greater understanding is needed.
On this self-funded PhD programme, research will explore the wider issues for patients and staff of introducing shock-absorbing floors, such as on fatigue, rolling resistance and implications of moving equipment in emergency situations.
Your research project will complement further research being undertaken in the School of Health and Care Professions. It is supervised by Dr Amy Drahota.
The work will include:
- exploring environmental characteristics of shock-absorbing floors in clinical settings
- observing the implications of flooring on patient and staff
- investigating the effect of floor resistance on wheeled objects, such as walking aids, trolleys, beds and hoists
- considering trade-offs of sound attenuation and staff fatigue
- researching the implication on patients, such as the Timed Up and Go test, used to indicate frailty
You'll get training in research methods and topic specialist expertise. Research and skills training is also available through the Graduate School.
The School of Health and Care Professions has conducted the first robust research on shock-absorbing flooring in hospital settings for fall-related injury prevention, and are establishing themselves as world leaders in this area. Your research will contribute to this growing body of information in the field.
Fees and funding
Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.
Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only.
PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only).
Bench fees
Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered. An online portfolio submission may be required as part of the selection process. All applicants are subject to interview.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
How to apply
To make an enquiry about this project, get in touch with the PhD Supervisor for this programme, Dr Amy Drahota (amy.drahota@port.ac.uk), quoting project code HSSW1571015 and the title.
When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Health and Social Care subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.