PhD studentship: Creating digital visual communication tools to facilitate the diagnosis of migraine

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders, but commonly misunderstood. Many report frustration at the lack of understanding of their experiences. Some people with migraine experience hallucinations prior to the onset of the headache, known as migraine aura. The hallucinations can be confused with other disorders, such as stroke, and the consequences can be severe if appropriate treatment is not sought rapidly. The hallucinations are shimmer and expand, but they are commonly represented as static images or verbal descriptions. This project will address this need by creating digital representations that capture the movement of the hallucinations as these are not well addressed in the current literature – an internet search tends to return static images and short verbal descriptions such as “visual disturbances”. This does not fully capture the experience of the hallucinations.

To address this issue, the candidate will create digital representations that are based on the lived experience of patients experiencing these hallucinations. Qualitative methods such as content and thematic analysis will be used to analyse in-depth interviews from people who experience migraine aura. Moreover, the digital representations will be validated against an online sample, to better understand the clusters of hallucinations that occur together in the same individual, and to determine if they can be used to discriminate related disorders, thus have diagnostic value. These hallucinations can be difficult for patients to describe in a short consultation time, and so a digital tool will not only increase understanding in the general public but can also be developed into a diagnostic tool to support clinicians.  This interdisciplinary PhD will have a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as creative processes. We welcome applicants with a background in psychology, or science-related discipline, with a strong creative inclination, an aptitude for learning and strong interest in visual communication.

To be eligible to be considered for a 2025 Strategic Research Theme Studentship, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be available to begin study from 1 October 2025.
• You must not be a current doctoral level candidate at Nottingham Trent University or already hold a PhD or other doctoral degree.
• You can only submit one application relating to one project from the list of available 2025 Strategic Research Theme Studentships. If you submit more than one application none of your applications will be considered.
• You must submit a full and complete application (including having submitted all required supporting documents) by 14 February 2025. Any incomplete applications, or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.  

This is a fully funded PhD studentship opportunity, open for both UK and International applicants.