Ageing Well with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exploring online health communities for middle aged and older women in the UK

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected, particularly middle aged and older women. Furthermore, exploring online health communities (OHCs) for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can shed light on the impact of virtual networks on the wellbeing and self-management of these individuals. Research on online or virtual forums or communities have argued for the benefits that engaging in these sites generate as they may offer a supportive and safe space for disclosing health concerns or providing realistic views and expectations about self-management of chronic conditions or mental health. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project is to investigate the experiences and strategies employed by middle and older women in the UK to age well while living with rheumatoid arthritis and engaging with OHCs.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Dr Meiko Makita, [email protected]

For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact [email protected]

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent for non-UK qualifications), and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. For international qualifications, please see equivalent entry requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/study/international/country/.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) overall score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in reading, listening, speaking and writing). The University of Dundee accepts a variety of equivalent qualifications and alternative ways to demonstrate language proficiency; please see full details of the University’s English language requirements here: www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Dr Meiko Makita, [email protected] to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Dr Meiko Makita, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Candidates must apply for the Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Nursing & Health Sciences (3 Year) or PhD in Nursing & Health Sciences (4 Year) using our direct application system.

Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.

In the Research Proposal section, please:

–         Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box

–         Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box

In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.