Building Strength in the Menopause at Coventry University

There is not seen to be a one size fits all approach to managing midlife changes in women, but rather a tool kit of synergistic strategies is needed. Women should understand the powerful impact of health-related behavioural approaches to help menopause-related symptoms, as well as long-term disease risk reduction. Doing so will give women a better chance in preventing type 2 diabetes and other health concerns, such as cardiovascular disease. An integrated ‘sitting less and moving more’ message is a key component for midlife women. People spending >4 hours sitting and

This PhD will explore the ‘sitting less and moving more’ strategy with an emphasis on the incorporation of strength development for midlife women at risk of type 2 diabetes.

The supervisory team is looking to enrol a highly motivated candidate, and offers a substantial track record in successful doctoral and postgraduate supervision. The PhD Student is anticipated to spend the first 12 months of the program at Deakin University, with the remainder of the program based at Coventry University.

Supervisors

Drawn from Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia).

Primary supervisor: Dr Maxine Whelan (Coventry University)

Secondary supervisors: Prof David Dunstan (Deakin University), Prof Jane Speight (Deakin University), Prof Robyn Tapp (Coventry University)

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme. 

• Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates). 
• A Masters degree in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Merit level. In addition, the mark for the Masters dissertation (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%. Please note that where a candidate has a 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first – class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer – reviewed publications, research – related awards or prizes and/ or professional reports. 
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) 
• The potential to engage in innovative research and complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study 

For an overview of each University’s entry requirements please visit: 

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/cotutelle-phd-programmes/ 

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-degrees-and-PhD/research-degree-entry-pathways 

Please note that it is essential that applicants confirm that they are able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia).

How to apply

All candidates must apply to both Universities.

Coventry application, visit here. Deakin application, visit here.

For more information
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Maxine Whelan (Coventry University), ad5094@coventry.ac.uk.