Population and Health Data Science: Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) Studentship in the Data Science, Health and Wellbeing Pathway

The pathway combines observational, descriptive, and trials-based methods with large population-scale datasets to provide evidence on society’s most pressing health challenges. Research informs evidence-based policy making to support people to make healthy lifestyle choices and/or to live better with illness and disability. More specifically, it examines the built and social environment and the impact that these have on multiple health and/or social outcomes. For example, a project may characterise the housing or school travel environment, and investigate the impact on injuries, mental health and educational outcomes; or shifting ageing and family-size demographics in relation to the epidemiology of chronic health conditions to address the pressing issue of the ‘care -gap’. Projects may use a range of methodologies, from observational to computational and population-level modelling. Such projects and associated methods are made possible through the linkage of administrative and health data, increasing demand for suitably qualified doctoral researchers capable of applying a mix of methods to complex social science problems. If your application requires the use of data from the SAIL Databank you must register your proposed project with the SAIL Scoping team here: https://saildatabank.com/data/apply-to-work-with-the-data/ This scoping must be undertaken before you submit your application.

Duration of study: The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful.

Duration of study may vary from 3.5-4.5 years, full-time (or part-time equivalent) dependent on your prior research experience. Swansea University, in conjunction with colleagues in the WGSS, will undertake an assessment of the successful applicant’s training needs and work with them to tailor the training they are offered to meet their research needs. This might take the form a full master’s course, or might be comprised of individual courses designed to enhance skills required for their chosen area of study.

Research in practice placement: All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.