Key facts
About this scholarship
Benefits:
The University of New England (UNE) is currently offering an opportunity for students seeking a stipend to support their full-time PhD study. This PhD stipend is associated with an existing Medical Research Future Fund project, Reducing health inequities for older people with intellectual disability in rural Australia. It would be a great opportunity for students coming from any sector of healthcare, including medicine, psychology, nursing or allied health.
Background
Currently, older rural people with intellectual disability experience avoidable differences in accessing healthcare services. We aim to find out what individual and systemic issues have led to this situation and how can we address any identified barriers.
Stage 1 of the project (Years 1-3) will occur through surveys, interviews and focus groups, conducted either online or face-to-face.
Survey 1 – A short survey of a large group of rural people with an intellectual disability aged ≥40 years. This first survey will involve gathering basic demographic data and generic healthcare issues across a wide range of participants and locations using an online survey tool. Survey 1 will be repeated 24 months later in participants who agree to be re-contacted.
Survey 2 – A semi-structured in-depth interview of a small number of Survey 1 respondents covering both qualitative (their experiences) and quantitative (measurable data) questions. Questions will relate to people’s experiences with existing healthcare policies and services, the individual’s health and access to health care, as well as their desires and aspirations in relation to current and future emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. A pre-interview data collection process will occur to obtain routine health information from service providers, GPs and the individual if required.
Survey 3 – Interviews and focus groups with approx. 15 Australian policy makers and managers from government and non-government agencies on the interface between disability and healthcare sectors and transitional care on the NDIS.
Stage 2 of the project (Years 4-5) will involve trialling the use of remotely-based nurses, supported by health literacy training, to assist in early identification of health issues and improve transitional care planning. The intervention will be designed around the findings from Stage 1.
Number offered:
One
About the project:
This scholarship is based within UNE’s School of Rural Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine & Health. There is limited scope for the successful candidate to design their own research question, but it must be aligned with the wider project goals of examining the healthcare needs of rural people with intellectual disability as they grow older. It is well established that there are substantial inequalities in service provision for people with intellectual disability, particularly in non-metropolitan Australia. The complex needs of this population remain largely hidden and overlooked within the wider research agenda, leading to both inequality and inequity.
The successful candidate would be working within an established research group including experienced disability researchers across a number of universities, other PhD candidates, disability support organisations and people with lived experience of intellectual disability. The project is also overseen by a dedicated project manager to support administrative process and day-to-day activities.
Why Choose the University of New England?
The University of New England, located in New South Wales, is one of Australia’s top-ranked public Universities with a strong commitment to research and academic excellence. Here’s why the University of New England stands out:
- World-Class Research: UNE is known for its impactful research programs and contributions to global knowledge.
- Personalized Learning: Small class sizes allow students to work closely with faculty and mentors, ensuring a supportive academic journey.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced laboratories, digital libraries, and modern study spaces enhance the learning experience.
- Vibrant Campus Life: With a mix of cultural events and recreational activities, students enjoy a lively and inclusive community.
- Global Recognition: UNE degrees are internationally respected, providing graduates with strong career prospects worldwide.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Scholarship funds will be paid in equal fortnightly instalments into the successful candidates nominated Australian bank account.
Scholarship Special Conditions:
Preference to commence in February 2027.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must fulfill all entry requirements for a Ph.D. research degree at UNE, including either Bachelor’s degree with Honours (First Class or Upper Second Class) or a Masters by Research, in a relevant field of healthcare
- Preference will be given to On-Campus study at the University of New England Armidale
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following core and scholarship specific eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident: The applicant must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident as defined by the Commonwealth |
| New or Continuing | New |
| Study Mode | Preference will be given to On-Campus although On-Line may be considered |
| Study Load | Full-Time |
| Course type | Research Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree/School/Discipline | Rural Medicine (Faculty of Medicine and Health) |
Before you apply
Before you apply for this scholarship, please ensure you have read and understood the below important information:
Required Documents
|
