PhD scholarship at University of Limerick: Singing and Mental Health

The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, is delighted to announce an opportunity for a well-motivated and capable graduate to undertake a PhD in the Music Therapy Department under the supervision of Dr Hilary Moss. This research is in the field of singing, mental health and health promotion and builds on the work of Dr Moss in this area.

Background

In 2016 – 17 Hilary Moss carried out the largest international study of the perception of choristers of the health and well-being benefits of singing in a choir. The results were launched in September 2017. Interest from the HSE Health Promotion Department has led to development of a research project researching the health and well-being benefits of HSE staff workplace choirs at 8 centres across Ireland. This study will be carried out from Feb- Oct 2018 alongside the development of PhD research in this area. Other areas of interest connected to this research are singing and dementia, singing for health in community contexts, acute psychiatry settings and social integration.

Eligibility

The scholarship will cover PhD research fees for 1 year dependent on the successful applicant being accepted for a PhD by the Postgraduate Research Committee of the University of Limerick.

The candidate is expected to

• Administer the study within the HSE Health Promotion directorate in 2018
• Write a PhD proposal and begin work on same in the area of singing and mental health
• Apply for funding to continue the research (Irish Research Council application Nov 2018 amongst other potential sources)
• Participate in research activities of the Music Therapy department at the Irish World Academy

It is envisaged that the candidate will start as soon as possible (ideally late Feb/early March 2018) and enrol for a PhD to be completed in 3 years. At present funding only exists for year 1 of the PhD. Additional funding will be sought but there is no guarantee of this.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Arts and health or arts therapies research and practice experience
• Academic qualifications appropriate for entry to doctoral level research.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, self-motivate and work with multiple stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience working with choirs and/or in health service organisations
• Experience in the conduct of research studies

Applications

Candidates interested in this position should email:

• A brief proposal for their PhD research project on singing and mental health (2 – 3 pages A4). This should include the headings: Description of the research topic; Methodology; Relationship of the project to existing research; Selected references.
• A personal statement, detailing their qualifications, experience and any other material relevant to the application (Max 2 x A4 pages)

This must be emailed to Hilary.moss@ul.ie by 10 February 2018 at 5pm.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Hilary Moss, Senior Lecturer, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance: Hilary.moss@ul.ie (from 8 January 2018).