The STAGE study (Severity, Treatment and Acceptance of Glaucoma thErapy) is designed to collect data on the severity of glaucoma at the time of diagnosis, African physicians’ current treatment preferences, and patients’ acceptance of therapy for glaucoma.

The study is coordinated by the African Glaucoma Consortium, a member-driven alliance of more than 100 African ophthalmologists united to reduce glaucoma-related blindness on the continent. Since study launch in February 2018, more than 200 patients have been enrolled in this study by 27 investigators at 17 centers in 5 African countries, and more investigators are registering for participation every day.

Given this overwhelming participation by the AGC membership to enhance our knowledge of glaucoma in Africa, we require a PhD student familiar with glaucoma and the African context to play a principal role, which will include study coordination and quality control, site and investigator registration, data management and completing primary drafts of manuscripts describing basic findings on severity at presentation, commonly-offered therapies and patient uptake. Additionally, the candidate will play a major role in developing a planned STAGE 2 study to include long-term follow-up of patients enrolled in STAGE to better characterize the natural history of glaucoma in Africa.

The studentship will cover tuition fees, stipend and opportunity to work with experts in public health and eye health.

Funding 

*FUNDING CONFIRMED – Department for the Economy (DfE)*

OPEN TO STUDENTS WORLDWIDE

Fees (Home/EU £4260 for 2018/19 International £19,700) and maintenance (£14,777 for 2018/19)

Entry Requirements 

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant public health, psychology, economics or social sciences subject.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Clinical training in ophthalmology (glaucoma specifically)
A public health masters degree

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/

Supervisors

Dr VF Chan

Prof N Congdon

Closing Date

How to Apply

Please refer to 'Entry Requirements' for specific admissions criteria.

Apply online via the Queen's on-line application portal .  Guidance is available on the University’s Prospective Student pages.

When applying for a project, please choose ‘MEDICINE’ as your subject area/School.

Please ensure you adhere to the closing dates.

If you have any further queries please contact:  pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk  or +44 (0) 28 9097 2619/2042.

Please visit the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, website for further details about the Centre.
When applying, please choose 'MEDICINE' as your subject area/School.