LICAMM Gender-imbalance and the future audiology workforce

Audiology is the clinical discipline concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and management of individuals with hearing and balance problems. In the UK, data drawn from several admissions cycles show a ratio of approximately 7:1 female to male applicants study audiology at undergraduate level.

<p>As well as having workforce planning consequences, evidence from other healthcare disciplines suggests that patients&rsquo; health behaviours can be influenced by clinician gender, with positive outcomes more likely when the clinician and patient are the same sex. This is especially the case in long-term conditions, such as hearing loss, where patients are seen repeatedly by clinicians.</p> <p>The aim of this PhD is to explore questions related to the issues described above. These could include reasons for the low number of males studying audiology in the UK, how this compares with data from other countries, whether this gender imbalance is having a negative effect on hearing loss patient behaviour, and/or what can be done to raise the attractiveness of a career in audiology to young males. A range of methodologies could be employed including systematic literature review and qualitative approaches.</p> <p><strong>References:</strong></p> <p>Du Plessis, S (2018) Males students&rsquo; perceptions about gender imbalances in a speech-language pathology and audiology training programme of a South African institution of higher education. S Afr J Commun Disord, 65, 570-581.</p> <p>Whittock, M and Leonard, L (2003). Stepping outside the stereotype. A pilot study of the motivations and experiences of males in the nursing profession. Journal of Nursing Management, 11(4), 242-249.</p> <p>Nemes, JL (2005). As the gender gap widens, does audiology need a few good men? Hearing Journal, 58(3), 19-24.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2014/may/19/widening-participation-student-experience-award">https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2014/may/19/widening-participation-student-experience-award</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme&rsquo;s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine, Health &amp; Human Disease as your planned programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The minimum requirements for this programme in IELTS and TOEFL tests are: &bull; British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 &bull; TOEFL iBT - overall score of 100 with the listening and reading element no less than 22, writing element no less than 23 and the speaking element no less than 24.

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School&nbsp;<br /> e:<a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>