PhD studentship in Public Health: Exploring co-occurring excess weight and severe mental illness in community settings
PhD @Newcastle University posted 1 day agoJob Description
Overview
Are you interested in developing better ways to support people living with poor mental and physical health? In this PhD you will work closely with the public, health and social care professionals, and community organisations. You will seek to better understand the challenges, and inform more effective support, for people living with both severe mental illness and excess weight in community settings.
The successful applicant for this studentship will join an exciting multidisciplinary team led by Dr Susanna Mills, based in the world-leading Population Health Sciences Institute.
You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills in collecting, appraising and synthesising both quantitative and qualitative data. This project is likely to involve undertaking a systematic review; interrogating and analysing large-scale healthcare datasets; and using qualitative methods, such as interviews or focus groups. The successful applicant will benefit from networks and training opportunities across a range of NIHR-funded units at Newcastle University, and close links with local, regional and national policy and practice colleagues.
Number Of Awards
One
Start Date
September 2025
Award Duration
Funding covers a three-year PhD
Application Closing Date
30th June 2025
Sponsor
Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) scheme
Supervisors
Dr Susanna Mills (lead supervisor)
Professor Sheena Ramsay
Professor Emily Oliver
Dr Jack Birch
All supervisors are based in the Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess a minimum 2:1 degree in public health, mental health, food and nutrition, or a related field. While a Master’s degree with Merit or higher is preferred, it is not mandatory, and candidates with comparable research experiences will be considered. Importantly, potential candidates must be eager to engage in interdisciplinary research, to work creatively, and to develop advanced research skills. A keen interest in mental and physical health at a population level is crucial.
If your first language is not English you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent language qualification. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study this programme.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
In ‘Course choice’ tab, click ‘Search Course’ put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2025’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8370F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’.
Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Population Health Sciences (FT)’, and click ‘Save selection.’
Either upload a document or write into the ‘Personal Statement’ section. Put code ‘PH060’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
Contact Details
If you have any questions or wish to discuss, please contact Dr Susanna Mills:Â susanna.mills@newcastle.ac.uk
