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Cardiff University
School of Psychology
Studentship Title:
ESRC+3
Research Area/ Project Title:
Stress and fatigue in train crew
Location:
School of Psychology, Cardiff University
Expected Start Date:
1st October 2015
Duration:
3 Years ( +3 year PhD)
Deadline for Applications:
31st July 2015
We are currently accepting applications to be considered for ESRC funding.
Description of Research Opportunity:
Stress and fatigue have become two of the major occupational health issues. In the transport sector these
are closely linked to safety, and in the case of rail transport, where the public are passengers, to public
health and safety. Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) is determined to become a leader in this area and realise that
the results of fundamental research must be applied to their working practices. This research project is
jointly supported by ATW and the ESRC. The aims of the research are:
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To determine the scale of occupational stress and fatigue in rail crews using survey and qualitative
methods.
To integrate this information with existing data on incidents and with train driver performance from
the black box.
To develop mobile phone methodology (tests of alertness and attention) to provide indicators of
crew fatigue.
To develop a model of fatigue that can be used to plan work schedules which maximise safety and
wellbeing.
To develop training packages that increase awareness of stress and fatigue.
To develop a tool to assess the efficacy and impact of organisational changes and training.
Award:
Studentships will commence in October 2015 and will cover your tuition fees as well as a
maintenance grant. In 2014-15 the maintenance grant for full-time students was £13,863 per
annum. As well as tuition fees and a maintenance grant, all ESRC funded students are eligible for a
Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for three years. In 2012, the RTSG was £750.
Eligibility:
Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals, and EU students who can
satisfy UK residency requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in
the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course for which they are seeking funding,
including for the purposes of full-time education.
EU Nationals who do not meet this residency requirement will typically be eligible for a fees-only
award, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least 3 years prior to the
start of their programme of study. Prospective students should refer to the ESRC Postgraduate
Funding Guide (see: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/funding-opportunities/lookingfor-funding/postgraduate-funding-guide.aspx) for full details on residential eligibility requirements.
ESRC studentship funding is highly competitive. In view of the limited number of awards and the
very high standard of applications received, successful applicants are likely to have a very good first
degree (a First or Upper Second class BSc Honours or equivalent) and a masters in Social Science.
How to apply:
No separate application is necessary – consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in
Psychology, with an Oct 2015 start date (programme code RFPDPSYA).
Please use our online application service at www.cf.ac.uk/regis/general/applyonline/index.html
and specify in the funding section that you wish to be considered for ESRC funding.
Further information about the research can be obtained from Professor Andy Smith
smithap@cardiff.ac.uk
Application deadline: 31st July 2015 with decisions being made in August 2015.