We are seeking ambitious postgraduate researchers passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge across Health, Social Care, and Medicine. Our research portfolio ranges from clinical topics to education, big data, artificial intelligence and innovative healthcare solutions, with our Health Research Institute providing a focal point for collaborative research across health-related disciplines in the university (across the translational research spectrum) and partnerships with health-related organisations, such as NHS trusts.
We have a team of experienced supervisors, and we are keen to hear from applicants who are looking to join our thriving community of researchers and postgraduate research students. We are proud of our reputation for supporting and nurturing collaborative research that matters to people and influences and shapes healthcare across the region, nationally and internationally.
All postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are registered in the University’s Graduate School and housed in the faculty or department that is most appropriate for the project on which they are working. PGRs working on Health, Social Care, or Medicine related projects are typically housed in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine.
International Centre for Applied Research with children, young people, pregnant women and families: iCARE
The research within the iCARE research cluster is multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary and focuses on understanding and improving the lives of children, young people, pregnant women and families. We work across various sectors including social care, health and education and we aim to influence practice, policy, and public engagement. We are looking for researchers to join our programmes of work which are regional, national and international in context and reach.
Potential projects include (but are not limited to):
Investigation of midwives’ use of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics nutrition checklist
Nutrition during pregnancy is important for maternal and infant health, yet most midwives report that they struggle to ask questions about diet and to assess the dietary intakes of patients during antenatal appointments. The study will investigate the introduction and application of the FIGO (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) Nutrition Checklist, to assess nutritional intakes in pregnant women by midwives during antenatal care.
The responsibility for supporting mental health in children is shared by schools, parents and communities. This project will explore the ways that schools put into practice ideas around whole school approaches to mental health, examining existing strengths and bridging the gap between research and practice.
Exploring the use of green/blue social prescribing to promote wellbeing and positive mental health for Children and Young People (CYP)
The project will assess the usage and effectiveness of green/blue social prescribing to promote wellbeing, positive mental and physical health for CYP. It will aim to co-produce a new green/blue social prescribing opportunity with external partners. This is an under-researched area that will provide novel insight into CYP social prescribing and enhance the science base.
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in children and young people
Around 20,000 children are admitted to intensive care units in the UK every year. Survival rate is high (around 96%) but many of these children suffer longer term physical, psychosocial and cognitive sequalae (now recognised Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS-P). We currently do not know the impact this critical illness has on primary care visits or what General Practitioners/primary care providers know about PICS-P. This is what this project aims to determine.
Edge Hill Primary and Integrated Care research centre (EPIC)
The EPIC Research Centre aims to identify key priorities and challenges in primary and integrated care that require further research, alongside internal and external colleagues. We are striving towards attracting clinical academic and primary and integrated care scientists and supporting them on their career journey.
Potential projects include (but are not limited to):
Integrated practitioner (IP) roles within stroke services: an exploratory study
Following the publication of the National Stroke Service Model (NHS England, 2021), this study will explore integrated practitioner roles within specific points along the stroke care pathway e.g., urgent care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Unpacking the link between exercise, body image, and psychological wellbeing
This study will explore how different exercise habits shape body dissatisfaction, exploring why rigid routines may fuel the drive for muscularity in men and thinness in women. It also investigates the emotional toll of excessive exercise and its impact on mental wellbeing and quality of life.
The aim of the Research Centre for Arts and Wellbeing is to engage in purposeful interdisciplinary research with people across their life span in creative ways, that are participatory, ethical and of demonstrable value. The centre draws expertise from across faculties, championing interdisciplinary research. It has three main strands: (i) research on performance, (ii) community/workplace projects and (iii) clinical research. Potential projects include (but are not limited to):
An exploration of cultural considerations in arts therapies practice when working with migrant communities
This study will explore the importance of cultural diversity in arts therapies (visual arts, dance movement, drama and music therapy) when working with migrant communities, identifying both current practice and proposing new ways of working with communities that are often under-represented, promote healing and resilience to wider client population.
The Cardio-Respiratory Research Centre brings together multiple relevant scientific and clinical disciplines in order to undertake high quality cardiorespiratory research leading to solutions in current unmet clinical needs.
Time to rethink nutrition and heart failure management
Nutrition has a massive role to play in the management of heart failure. However, it is currently undervalued and underutilised. This project will explore current dietary practices of people living with heart failure, as well as their expectations and experiences of any dietary counselling received. The project will also explore healthcare professional’s experiences and look to develop consensus on best practices to help shape future care.
Our key research priorities are grouped into several research clusters. In the first instance please discuss potential proposals with the named academic for each project. For more general questions please contact our Postgraduate Research lead Professor Lucy Bray.
Additional information about Health, Social Care and Medicine research at Edge Hill can be found on our research area web pages. The University’s research repository also contains further information on the research outputs of each member of staff.
