Dundalk Institute of Technology — Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years
Dr Oonagh Giggins
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
Dundalk, Ireland — Health Informatics, Nursing & Health, Sport Technology
About the Project
Applications are invited for a Fully Funded Masters in Science studentship, funded under the CREATE-DkIT Postgraduate Masters Scholarship Programme, within the Netwell Casala Centre in Dundalk Institute of Technology.
The menopausal transition is associated with changes in muscle strength, physical function, and overall health, increasing the risk of frailty, falls, and loss of independence in later life. Early identification of women at risk may create opportunities to support healthy ageing through targeted interventions.
Digital health technologies, such as wearable devices and smartphone applications, offer a scalable way to monitor health indicators including physical activity, sleep, weight, and cardiovascular health. However, their potential role in menopause-related risk assessment remains poorly understood.
This research project will investigate how digital health technologies can support the early identification of muscle strength and functional decline during menopause. The study will review existing evidence, explore the perspectives of midlife women and healthcare professionals, and examine relationships between digital health data and established measures of muscle strength and physical function.
Linked Enterprise Partner: This MSc by research project will include a placement in our enterprise partner, Siel Blue, for up to 12 weeks.
Key Areas: Menopause, Healthy ageing, Women's health, Digital Health, Wearable Technology
Essential Qualifications
Applicants should hold a BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a Health-Related discipline, Healthcare, Sport/Exercise Sciences, or other relevant area.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Strong time management and organisational skills, attention to detail.
Applicant's whose first language is not English must have a certified English language proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Project Supervisor - Dr Oonagh Giggins
Informal Enquiries - oonagh.giggins@dkit.ie
How to Apply Applicants please create an account.
Select Academic term 2026/27, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and the programme is DkIT Create Masters Netwell.
As part of the application, you will be required to upload a copy of your CV including references and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. Also required are copies of your Transcripts of results and where applicable IELTS qualifications. These will be requested after you submit your application. The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Tuesday 27th October 2026. It is expected that applicants will start asap.
DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline.
Funding Notes
Fully Funded Masters in Science by Research Postgraduate Project – 24 months duration
Annual Stipend: 25,000 tax free. Postgraduate fee support also
This project is supported by the CREATE-DkIT TU-RISE project which is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.