Mapping new concepts of impact in arts and mental health interventions: PhD studentship

[Jill Anderson]

Faculty of Arts PhD Studentship Mapping new concepts of impact in arts and mental health interventions

More details at: http://www.yorksj.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentship.aspx

The Faculty of Arts at York St John University is seeking applications from those interested in pursuing a full-time PhD research project starting 1 February 2013 (or as soon as possible thereafter) under the title ‘Mapping new concepts of impact in arts and mental health interventions.’ The PhD studentship will aim to design, test and implement these methodologies across specific projects within Converge (at YSJU) and the Arts and Minds Network (in Leeds).

The Arts and Minds Network has developed into a vibrant and creative hub for arts activity; Converge offer courses in the arts that aim to give mental health service users a creativearts university experience. Both these projects share a key characteristic:they aim to work with mental health service users as artists and learners rather than as ‘patients’ with ‘problems’. They wish to focus on people’s aspirations in the arts and in education.

This PhD studentship will set out to design, develop and employ robust and sensitive methodological tools to evaluate and document the impact of arts and mental health interventions. It will involve close
Faculty and Supervision The successful applicant will join a strong research community within a Faculty that includes a particular focus on the arts in applied contexts. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) identified four-star ‘world leading’ research within the Faculty of Arts.

Successful applicants must have an honours degree at least a 2:1 or a postgraduate masters degree from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research project e.g. theatre or the performing arts with experience of applied or community contexts.

We are looking for a student who brings the following attributes to the research:

1.         A background in community / applied arts (specifically performing arts, dance, theatre, music);

2.         Some experience of qualitative, social research methodologies (this could involve academic or practice-based evaluations);

3.         A proven ability to work well with others in creative and participatory contexts.

Supervision will be provided by Dr Matthew Reason, Reader in Theatre, and Dr Nick Rowe, Director of Converge and Senior Lecturer in Arts and Health.

Interviews will be held in the first week of January 2013.

 

Enquires can be made to:

Dr Matthew Reason  [e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

Faculty of Arts, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX