Postgraduate research
The impact of obesity on the development of multiple long-term conditions, and how this relationship differs by ethnicity
Qualification: PhD
Department: Population Health Sciences
Application deadline: 8 August 2024
Start date: 23 September 2024 preferred (Alternative start dates available up to January 2025)
Overview
Supervisors:
- Dr Clare Gillies clg13@leicester.ac.uk
- Dr Cameron Razieh
- Anna Meffen
Project Description
Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs)1 refers to the co-existence of two or more chronic conditions (physical or mental) in a person. There are an estimated 14 million people in England living with MLTCs and this number is growing.2 It is already estimated that people with MLTCs account for more than half of NHS primary and secondary care costs.
This project aims to assess the impact of obesity on the prevalence and development of multiple long-term conditions in different ethnic groups. The project objectives are:
- To assess prevalence of MLTCs by obesity level, for different ethnic groups
- To assess common clusters of MLTCs related to obesity; and assess if these differ by ethnicity
- To assess progression (rates and patterns) within these common clusters of MLTCs for different ethnic groups, and by obesity level.
To assess if obesity as a risk factor for both MLTC and related adverse events (e.g. cardiovascular events and mortality) differs between ethnicities
This PhD will use a longitudinal database of health data to fulfil the study objectives. Essential this research project will involve the management and analysis of large datasets, and will suit an individual with an interest in pursuing a career in medical statistics or epidemiology. You will be based within the Leicester Real World Evidence Unit at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, and will benefit from being part of a team of experienced researchers.
References:
Funding
Funding
This 3 year studentship will be University / NIHR EM-ARC funded and will provide:
- 3 years UK tuition fees
- 3 years stipend at UKRI rates (£19,237 per year for 2024/5)
International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their study. This will amount to £18,864 per year of study (as at 2024/25).
Applicants eligible for UK fees can study either full time or part time.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor Degree with 2:1 honours or better and hold/or expect to obtain a Masters degree (or equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution) in a relevant subject (e.g. Medical Statistics, Epidemiology or Biostatistics)
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Project enquiries to Dr Clare Gillies clg13@leicester.ac.uk
General enquires to PHS-PGR@le.ac.uk
How to apply
How to apply
To apply please use the Apply button at the bottom of this page and select September 2024.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you.
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. (Referees should not be the the supervisors named on this project)
- In the funding section please specify PHS Gillies
- In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required)
Eligibility
Eligibility
Project is open to UK and Overseas* applicants.
*Overseas applicant please see funding section.
Applicants who hold EU Settled or Pre-Settled status may be eligible for UK fees. Please email us a share code to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk so that we can verify your status (The share code we need starts with S)
