Western Sydney University 2022 Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship

The overall aim of the project is to develop, from the ground-up, a digital resource that supports young mums’ perinatal journey, as a preventative tool to support their mental wellbeing. The PhD student will be immersed within the project and will have the opportunity to explore research questions that arise from the process of development and implementation of this resource, including, but not limited to, the following:

1) What are the experiences, needs and expectations of young mothers in relation to their mental health and wellbeing during the perinatal period, and how they differ across different socio-cultural groups?

2) What are the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the needs of young mothers and how they might use and benefit from mental health literacy resources?

3) What are the enablers and challenges associated with the development of a co-designed, lived experience-informed learning resource targeted at young mothers?

4) How effective is a co-designed digital resource in supporting young mothers’ wellbeing?

• Table of Content
• About Western Sydney University (UWS)
• Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship
• Requirements for Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Western Sydney University (UWS)

The University of Western Sydney (UWS) began operation on 1st January 1989, under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988 which had been passed by the New South Wales Parliament in December 1988. However, the predecessors of the University date back as far as 1891 with the establishment of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. The Act created a federated network university, based on two existing Colleges of Advanced Education - Hawkesbury Agricultural College and Nepean College of Advanced Education. Following incorporation into the University, the foundation network membe... continue reading

Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
• Support for training, conference attendance, fieldwork and additional research costs as approved by the School.

Requirements for Improving Young Mothers’ Mental Health Literacy Scholarship Qualification

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in mental health and experiences of motherhood among youth. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in youth health and wellbeing from a social sciences perspective, including candidates with a background in nursing, midwifery, health sciences, social work, education, sociology, and media and communication.

The successful applicant should:

• hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent international qualifications.
• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to one or more areas of focus of the project, including but not limited to qualitative and participatory methodologies, social determinants of health, youth mental health, education and training, and digital media.
• have an understanding of the importance of youth mental health.
• be willing to learn and develop skills in participatory research, co-design and digital media.
• have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• be willing to work with others in a team environment.
• be willing to conduct fieldwork across NSW.
• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship(opens in new window) page.

• Note: You do not need to complete 'Step 5: Submit an online application for admission' when applying for this scholarship. You must complete 'Step 6: Submit an online application for a project scholarship'.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Associate Professor Arianne Reis: [email protected]

For questions and advice about the application process, please contact the Graduate Research School: [email protected].

For more details, visit Western Sydney University website.