Home » Study in United Kingdom » Health Sciences and Human Body

Behavioural Medicine PhD/MPhil: University of Birmingham

Javascript is required to view this map.
Degree 
PhD/MPhil
Address
Behavioural Medicine PhD/MPhil: University of Birmingham, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, BIRMINGHAM, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Ads
Subject
Health Sciences and Human Body
Course Beginning 
Normally the start of the academic year, but flexible by negotiation
Duration 
Depending on the percentage of time spent on research
Scholarship and Grants 
Telephone 
+ 44(0)121 414 4115
Fax 
+ 44(0)121 414 4121
Website 
http://www.sportex.bham.ac.uk



Report Recommend

Cardiovascular reactions to stress

It has been proposed that excessive haemodynamic reactions to acute psychological stress contribute to the development of, or are expressive of, cardiovascular disease. Their research is concerned with exploring various aspects of this proposition. They are interested in the extent to which blood pressure reactions to stress predict future blood pressure status. In addition, various blood-based haemostatic markers of arterial degeneration and
clot formation  processes that contribute to acute cardiac events such as heart attack  have also been found to be sensitive to acute psychological stress.

They are currently exploring the haemodynamic and haemostatic reactions to stress in both healthy participants and patients varying in risk for acute cardiac events.

Contact:

and 

and 

  • Contact person: Dr Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3379
  • Email: veldhujj@bham.ac.uk

Stress and antibody response to vaccination

They are investigating whether high levels of psychological stress are associated with a reduction in an in vivo integrated measure of immune function, namely antibody response to vaccination. Recent studies within the School have found such an effect for hepatitis B, influenza and meningitis A and C vaccinations.

They are also studying the relationship between physiological reactivity to laboratory stress and antibody status following vaccination. Preliminary evidence shows that poor antibody status following hepatitis B vaccination appeared to be a characteristic of individuals with more pronounced cortisol and sympathetic inotrophic reactions to a standard laboratory stress tack. This finding is currently being investigated further in a longitudinal study using hepatitis B and meningitis A and C vaccines.

Contact:

and 

Psychological factors in heart disease

A number of psychological factors have been implicated in survival following a heart attack. they are exploring the role of depression, anxiety, and social support in this context. Concern lies with not only whether such psychological factors predict survival following heart attack, but also whether they are associated with the quality of life of survivors. In
addition, they are interested in the potential role of cardiac rehabilitation in altering adverse psychological profiles following heart attack.

Contact:

abd 

and 

Endothelial function in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular disease and is present in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly during active inflammatory stages of the disease. They are interested in potential causes of endothelial dysfunction in the macrovasculature and microvasculature of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on the effects of systemic
inflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Contact:

  • Contact person: Dr Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3379
  • Email: veldhuijj@bham.ac.uk

and 

and 

Psychophysiology and psychoneuroimmunology

A major area of our research is concerned with evaluating the central opioid hyposensitivity model of hypoalgesia in hypertensive patients and individuals at risk for hypertension. The roles of descending pain modulation, baroreflex stimulation and peripheral opiates are currently being investigated. A second area of interest is the role of mental and exercise stress in the triggering of acute cardiac events via acute changes in haemodynamic, haemostatic and endothelial markers.

They are also interested in the influence of psychosocial factors on immunity, and are investigating the influence of life event stress and the perception of stress in relation to the antibody response to vaccination and the rate of wound healing.

Contact:

Psychoneuroimmunology

There is now a growing recognition that acute stressors may, at least in the short term, initiate processes that could promote immune function and health. Their research focuses on the immunological and neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate the link between stress and susceptibility to infection and inflammation.

Contact:

Determinants of exercise participation

Their research investigates the determinants of exercise adoption and maintenance in adults. They are focusing on three areas: social cognition models of health behaviour that provide important clues to the psychological predictors of exercise participation; the contribution of non-conscious processes to habitual exercise behaviour; and the optimal conditions for the use of prompts for incidental physical activity in the community. In addition, work on rheumatoid arthritis is investigating attitudes, beliefs and preferences regarding exercise.

Contact:

English language requirements

Entry requirements

Entrance to the PhD requires at least an upper-second class degree, while MPhil registration  requires a relevant first degree and evidence of ability to undertake research

For more information visit

How to apply

Online applications

If you submit an online application, please write your ID number on your supporting documents when you send them to us. You will receive an ID number by email on the day after you submit your application (apart from applications submitted on Friday, Saturday or Sunday when the email will arrive on Monday).

If you send in your supporting documents before completing the online application form, please make sure that you write your full name, date of birth and the programme you are applying for on all the documents.

Paper application form

If you apply using the paper application form, please include, where possible, your supporting documents with the application.

Where to send supporting documents

  • Address: Admissions
    Aston Webb Building
    University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    UK

Tuition fees and costs

The University charges an annual tuition fee. This covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students. Fees are payable at the start of your programme.

When you accept the offer of a place, you are also accepting responsibility for the payment of your tuition fees, even if you are sponsored or in receipt of an award and the sponsor fails to pay. It is therefore very important that you have sufficient funds available to you. Unfortunately, if you fail to pay the fees, you will not be permitted to continue your studies.

For more information about tuition fees visit

For general information about open days

Their Postgraduate Open Day is the ideal opportunity to visit the University and find out more about the research areas or programmes that interest you.

They aim to provide all the information you will need to make the right decision. Talks on relevant issues including funding, the value of postgraduate study and facilities for postgraduate students will run throughout the day.

Contac:

For more information about other tours and visits

Contact details

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal Address: University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    UK
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

Postgraduate Admissions

International Applicant Enquiries

Financial Support Office


People who viewed 'Behavioural Medicine PhD/MPhil: University of Birmingham' also found interest in following institutions . . .