Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, supported by Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) and Health Care Research Wales (HCRW), invites applications for PhD study for the following PhD project for October 2025 entry.

Project description:

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) are an underserved and unrecognised population in adult social care in the UK. The health and care disparities between older LGBTQ+ adults and their heterosexual counterparts have been internationally recognised. Within aged care settings LGBTQ+ service users are frequently reported as ‘invisible’ and there is a growing evidence base documenting the concerns of LGBTQ+ people about care provision in older age?. A gap remains in evidence showing what works for enhancing care workers’ and providers’ knowledge and for developing more affirming staff attitudes and inclusive practices .  This project aims to address this gap by generating new knowledge and outputs in this area.

Possible research questions could include:

• What promising interventions show potential to address care staff views, attitudes and knowledge of older LGBTQ+ people in residential and homecare settings?
• What contextual factors enable affirmative change in care staff members’ views, attitudes and knowledge about older LGBTQ+ people?
• What lessons may be learnt about providing inclusive services to older LGBTQ+ people that can be transferred to other social care services?

We envision a multi-phase design consisting of:

Phase 1: Working with a lived experience reference group that co-produces learning tools and resources to be piloted in care home settings.

Phase 2: Focus groups with care home managers and stakeholders in the Welsh care home sector to identify contextual factors that shape workers’ views, attitudes and practices.

Phase 3: Assessing feasibility of implementing 2-3 learning tools in three participating care homes. This will involve some piloting of identified learning tools.

The student will work in partnership with supervisors from CARE (Centre for Adult Social Care Research, Cardiff University), Centre for Trials Research (Cardiff University), and ENRICH Cymru (a pan-Wales research network of care homes). The student will be hosted in CARE.

Duration of study:

Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 1+3.5 (MSc + PhD) years full time (or part time equivalent). The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

Entry criteria:

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

Eligibility:

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Cardiff University and WGSSS are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Assessment:

The closing deadline for applications is 12:00 noon (GMT) on Wendesday, 30 April 2025. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which are expected to take place online on Thursday, 22 May 2025. After interview, a final short-list of applicants will be put forward to a Panel convened by the ESRC WGSSS Management Group at which final decisions with regard to studentship awards will be made. Successful applicants can expect to hear by mid-June2025.

How to apply:

A completed online application form for admission to PhD in the School of Social Sciences (October 2024), submitted by the deadline of 12:00 noon (GMT) on Wendesday, 30 April 2025 . Incomplete applications or applications received after this specified time will not be accepted. A complete application to Cardiff University must contain the following documents (this also applies to Fast Track applicants):

1. WGSSS Application Form

2. Academic CV (two pages maximum)

3. Two references (academic or professional). Candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths

4. Degree certificates and transcripts (including translations, if applicable)

5. International applicants must also include proof of English Language competency ( 7.0 IELTS minimum or equivalent ).

This program is available in English only. To request information in Welsh, please contact the Postgraduate Recruitment Team.