Dear All, 
I am pleased to announce the following doctoral opportunity in the field of Health Geography;

Scaling the Peaks; Understanding the needs and experiences of people affected by dementia in rural areas

Alzheimer’s Society UK and Institute of Mental Health (IMH) fully funded Doctoral Opportunity for a 3 year Home/EU Student (July 2016 - May 2019).

Research topic and supervisors

The University of Nottingham’s Institute of Mental Health and the Nottingham Geospatial Information Systems Unit (GIS) are pleased to announce funding for Doctoral level study. This will be funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and IMH as part of a 4 year study titled Scaling the Peaks. This study is examining the everyday life of people living with dementia who live within the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire. This mixed method study will use both qualitative Geo-spatial information systems (GIS) and ethnographic enquiry to devise a map of the area and identify the closeness of residents to services, taking into account the terrain, climate, infrastructures, networks and locations. 

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a doctorate combining health GIS as part of a highly qualitative study. Applications are especially welcomed from highly motivated individuals who can demonstrate a strong interest in health informatics and the use of GIS. Guidance will be provided to devise a study which will meet the needs of the funder and also the interests of the student. Ongoing support throughout the 3 years of doctoral work will be provided by members of the team. Academic support will be provided in collaboration with Dr Mark Riley, School of Geography at the University of Liverpool and the Nottingham located GIS Unit. 


Dementia is a common cluster of symptoms often associated as loss of memory, difficulty with communication and character changes amongst older people. We know that there are fewer people living with dementia in very rural areas who seek health care. The reasons for this are complex and not well understood. This study aims to compare the lives of two groups of residents living with dementia; those who are established and those who have moved into the area as retirees. Understanding these two distinctive groups of residents will help to shape future service planning and delivery of more nuanced services which work in very rural areas. 


This research project aims explore the ways in which older people with memory difficulties and/or dementia manage their everyday lives in the National Peak  District Park area of Derbyshire. The work will include people and carers who have lived all their lives in the Park and those who have recently moved to the area to retire. We know that in the Park there are high numbers of older people and carers compared to other areas of England.

Fiona Marshall is leading the work, which is kindly jointly funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by the Institute of Mental Health, University Of Nottingham. Liverpool University are also kindly providing expertise and ongoing support towards the GIS component of this important study. 


There are two components to the research: geospatial mapping and an ethnographic enquiry. Overall this study is considered to be a qualitative enquiry. It will not seek to diagnose people with dementia or to provide any interventions.

The mapping part of the study will construct a visual map of the area by using multiple types of information derived from public health, social care and other organisations. Geographical aspects of the Peak Park such as terrain, climate and related housing and travel will be considered to determine the ways in which they influence the building of sustainable services and meet the needs of older people with memory difficulties. 

None of the information used will be identifiable at an individual level. The map will be used to help establish the closeness and types of services available within the area and
so support future decisions about the range of services and their locations. Some services may be more suited as mobile ones to reduce travel challenges. 

We are keen to build a vibrant and supportive research community in the health GIS and Institute of Mental Health at Nottingham.  The PhD candidate will be based at Nottingham and work across the GIS unit and the Institute of Mental Health. Additionally monthly meetings will take place with Mark Riley from Liverpool University. Field work will take place within the Derbyshire Peak District National Park so a car driver will be an essential requirement. 

The candidate will be expected to work closely with Dr. Fiona Marshall, CI for the study. Opportunities to network with other doctoral students across the university and specifically the Dementia, information systems interest groups and GIS will be encouraged.  Contributing to scholarship, conferences, learning and network events will also be encouraged. 

The studentship offered in this advert will be full time and will commence from July 2016. There may some options to commence slightly later. 

The PhD students will all receive supervision from academics at both departments. The candidates will be registered at the University of Nottingham, School of Medicine.  

Further details can be found on the University of Nottingham website/jobs.ac.uk. Further information can be made to [log in to unmask]