About the Project
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join a fully funded, 36-month PhD project commencing in October 2026. This studentship provides a comprehensive financial package to support your research at the University of Aberdeen, including home tuition fees, a student stipend and associated research costs.
Background
Neurodegenerative diseases have a devastating impact on individuals and their families with progressive loss of a person’s ability to perform their daily activities independently. A prerequisite for the measurement of disease progression in clinical care and research is an outcome measure that reliably measures a clinically important aspect of disease that matters to patients. Measurement of functional activity limitation (FAL) is an attractive option as it is more clinically relevant to patients than impairment measures, but less subjective than quality of life measures. Existing FAL rating scales are conceptually weak and scientifically unsound.
Aims & Methods
Aim A. Evaluate the concept of FAL and the current implementation of FAL scales in clinical care
- Undertake a scoping review to identify and evaluate the content, comprehensiveness, clarity and credibility of existing conceptual frameworks, models, theories and definitions of FAL.
- Undertake a scoping review to assess the current inclusion and reporting of FAL scales in consensus core outcome sets, clinical trial protocols, and composite outcome measures in Huntington’s disease (HD), Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the Parkinson Plus (PP) conditions.
- Conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders (patients with HD, MND, PD and PP conditions, carers & healthcare professionals) to: (i) explore the concept of FAL/disability; (ii) identify & explore contextual factors/confounders influencing FAL measurement; (iii) determine how the measurement of FAL is currently incorporated into clinical care workflow.
Aim B. Assess the conceptual basis of existing FAL scales
- Conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders (patients with HD, MND, PD and PP conditions, carers & healthcare professionals) to review identified scales to evaluate their perceived strengths/limitations in measuring FAL across the full range of disease severity.
Anticipated outcomes
This will further our understanding of FAL and provide important information for the further development and implementation of a patient-centred, clinically relevant, and conceptually driven FAL rating scale with rigorous measurement properties for use in research and patient care in neurodegenerative diseases.
You would join the Academic Neurology Unit of the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, which currently comprises three academic clinical neurologists, one clinical lecturer, a post-doctoral research fellow, one PhD student, a research nurse and several undergraduate and post-graduate students and postgraduate trainees undertaking research projects with the group. The group has established national and international collaborations. With particular expertise in a full range of clinical epidemiological skills and evidence-based research, the Academic Neurology Unit also provides a supportive, friendly environment to encourage research trainees in their development, whilst at the same time challenging them to reach their maximum potential.
The Academic Neurology Unit is embedded within the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, which provides a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment with its own regular meetings, seminars and workshops, in which there is additional critical mass in systematic reviewing, epidemiology, statistics, database support, health economics, large-scale multi-centre clinical trials, health technology assessment, qualitative research and health service research. The University offers a wide range of transferable skills and optional training courses that you can attend to suit your development goals.
Contact Dr Diane Swallow (diane.swallow@abdn.ac.uk) with any questions and for further information.
Candidate Background
A first degree at 2:1 or above (e.g. Bsc) in relevant subject (e.g. medicine or allied health professional degree, medical science, public health, epidemiology, social science). Excellent written and verbal English language skills. Experience in qualitative methodology is highly desirable.
Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of the University of Aberdeen. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and actively encourage applications from people with diverse career paths, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Application Procedure
Important note: We welcome applications from international candidates for this studentship, but please be aware that a successful international candidate would be responsible for covering the difference between the international and Home/RUK tuition fee rates (approximately £18,000 per annum). International candidates must be prepared to provide evidence that they have these funds available upon request.
To apply, please submit the following documents via email to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk
- A cover letter addressed to the supervisor of the project you're applying for.
- An up-to-date CV detailing your academic qualifications, employment history, and any other relevant experience. Please ensure your current permanent address is clearly stated, as this will help us to determine your fee status.
- Clear copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (if available).
- Evidence of settled or pre-settled status (if applicable).
- Two academic references. We cannot request references on your behalf. Please either provide us with copies yourself or have your referees email them directly to us. Direct emails from referees must include your full name and the project you are applying for.
Please send your application with documents attached as a single email with the subject line: "IAHS_DS - [Your Name]"
The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on 6th August 2026. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
For any enquiries regarding your application or the application process, please contact smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk
Funding Notes
The expected start date is October 2026.
This fully funded, three-year PhD project includes Home/UK tuition fees, all associated research costs, and a tax-free stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to annual increase).
We welcome applications from international candidates for this studentship, but please be aware that a successful international candidate would be responsible for covering the difference between the international and Home/RUK tuition fee rates (approximately £18,000 per annum). International candidates must be prepared to provide evidence that they have these funds available upon request.
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