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Posted Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:51:14
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Interdisciplinary ESRC / MRC PhD Studentship

Available as a 4 year (1+3: Masters followed by a PhD) or 3 year (+3:
PhD) award

The Built Environment and Inequalities in Physical Activity in Scotland

Institute of Geography, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh

Project Supervisors: Dr Jamie Pearce (University of Edinburgh) and Prof
Richard Mitchell (University of Glasgow)

Research has found that numerous features of the built environment
influence the physical activity levels of local residents. For instance,
living in a neighbourhood that is pedestrian friendly, aesthetically
pleasing, has highly connected streets, and a mix of different land uses
is likely to encourage people to exercise regularly. It is possible that
variations in the quality of the built environment between
neighbourhoods is a key factor in explaining inequalities in physical
activity related health outcomes. Few UK studies have evaluated the
beneficial or detrimental characteristics of the built environment on
physical activity and related health outcomes. This study aims to fill
this knowledge gap by measuring various characteristics of the built
environment in Scotland and then evaluating their effects on physical
activity related health outcomes. The research will also consider the
role of the built environment in explaining inequalities in health.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) methods will be used to develop a
set of area-based measures of the built environment. The area-based
measures will include: neighbourhood walkability; street connectivity;
open space; utilitarian destinations; population density; landuse mix;
crime, safety and incivilities; neighbourhood aesthetics; and
transportation options. These area-based measures will be joined to data
on the behaviours and health of individuals, from the Scottish Health
Survey. The combined datasets will be analysed to examine whether key
features of the built environment exert an effect on the levels of
physical activity and related health outcomes of local residents.
Interactions with individual- and area-level measure of socioeconomic
status will be evaluated.

This is a 3 or 4 year full time studentship and will provide an annual
stipend of £15,590 in the first year, rising by approximately 2% each
year. The award is available to UK and other EU nationals only. The
award also covers fees and a research and training budget. EU students
who have not been in the UK for 3 or more years prior to October 1st
2010 are only eligible for the FEES ONLY studentships. Part time
students are eligible for the Maintenance Grant on a pro-rata basis.

The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team which has
an international reputation for successful collaboration and the
production of high-impact research. The project will be supervised by Dr
Jamie Pearce (Institute of Geography, School of GeoSciences, University
of Edinburgh) and Prof Richard Mitchell (Public Health and Health
Policy, University of Glasgow) and will be based in Edinburgh.

Applicants should hold a first class or upper second class degree in a
relevant, numerate social science or clinical discipline (e.g.
geography, health sciences, sociology, psychology, economics).

More details on the project, the supervisors and the departments
involved are available from Dr Pearce ([log in to unmask]) or Prof
Mitchell ([log in to unmask]). We strongly encourage those
interested to contact us and learn more about the project.

To apply please go to the following web page, click on the correct
project title and follow the on-line application process:
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/PhD/?DisciplineID=4#projectlist

Application Deadline: Thursday 15th July. Interviews will take place on
Monday 26th July.




-- 
Dr Jamie Pearce
Reader in Human Geography
Institute of Geography
School of GeoSciences
University of Edinburgh
Drummond Street
EDINBURGH EH8 9XP
Scotland, U.K.
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/people/person.html?indv=1847

email: [log in to unmask]
Tel: + 44 131 650 2294
Fax: + 44 131 650 2524



-- 
Dr Jamie Pearce
Reader in Human Geography
Institute of Geography
School of GeoSciences
University of Edinburgh
Drummond Street
EDINBURGH EH8 9XP
Scotland, U.K.
http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/people/person.html?indv=1847

email: [log in to unmask]
Tel: + 44 131 650 2294
Fax: + 44 131 650 2524

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

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