Exploring the experience of maternal mental health in remote and rural Grampian
We are offering a fees-only studentship for a Masters in Research on the topic of maternal mental health in remote and rural Grampian. The studentship covers full UK tuition fees and research expenses for the duration of the programme.
Research Opportunities
Summary
The project is funded by Tenovus Scotland and builds on an existing programme of interdisciplinary work being carried out by Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay (Associate Professor in Psychology, School of Law and Social Sciences) and Dr Mo Tabib (Lecturer in Midwifery, School of Health) to explore maternal mental health.
The project will commence in September 2026. Maternal mental health issues (MMHI), which affect approximately 10% of women during pregnancy, are associated with significant personal, developmental and societal costs. Evidence suggests that women in remote and rural areas experience heightened vulnerability due to reduced access to specialist services, isolation, fear of stigma and limited support networks. This MRes study will explore the lived experiences of pregnant women in remote and rural areas who are experiencing common anxiety, depression or fear of childbirth. Importantly, this study takes a strength-based approach (Antonovsky, 1996). Instead of focusing solely on problems or risks, it also seeks to understand the salutogenic factors that help women cope with their MMHIs. These protective factors are rarely studied, yet they are essential for shaping effective and compassionate services. Using a qualitative interpretive design, in-depth, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with approximately 20 pregnant women recruited via community midwives. Interviews will be conducted online, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to explore the challenges of living in a remote or rural area, support needs and the barriers to help-seeking. We seek a highly motivated candidate who will engage in all aspects of the research process, work collaboratively with supervisors to develop and deliver the project, and communicate research effectively to both expert and non-specialist audiences.
Candidates are expected to be active members of Robert Gordon University’s PGR community. Candidates must hold (or be expected to obtain) an Upper Second-Class honours degree in Psychology, Nursing or Midwifery (or a related discipline) as a minimum requirement. Experience of conducting qualitative research and analysing qualitative data would be advantageous.
For more information, please get in touch with one of the research team. To apply, please email CV, cover letter and Academic Transcript to Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay:
Deadline for applications: Friday 24 July, 17:00
Interviews will be held week commencing 3 August.
Supervisors
Research Theme
Find other Research Degrees in the same theme:
About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
Research Degree Fees
School of Health, School of Computing, Engineering and Technology and School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health.
For Academic Year 2026/2027
UK Students
- Full time MRes/MSc by research/MPhil/PhD - £5,238 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £3,143 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,619 per academic year
International Students
- Full time MRes/MSc by research/MPhil/PhD - £20,730 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £12,438 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £12,438 per academic year
For Academic Year 2025/2026
UK Students
- Full time - £5,006 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £3,000 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £3,000 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £20,030 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £12,020 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £12,020 per academic year
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Funding and Scholarships
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects.
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
Ready to start this Research Degree?
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