Overview
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects at least 4–5 in 100 women during pregnancy, or 1 in 20 pregnancies in the UK, with increasing rates due to rising obesity and advanced maternal age. GDM poses significant risks for both mothers and babies, including preterm birth, excessive birth weight, and a long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Despite advancements in screening, many women face barriers in accessing timely care. These challenges are particularly prominent in underserved communities and among ethnic minorities, where language barriers and health literacy gaps can hinder effective management. Women with GDM are at a 10-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, yet many do not receive adequate postpartum follow-up.
This PhD project proposes the development of an AI-powered platform to enhance the management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The system will focus on early detection, continuous monitoring, and personalized interventions by leveraging machine learning and predictive modelling. By identifying key risk factors and predicting complications, the platform will enable timely and tailored care, offering tools for blood glucose monitoring, dietary recommendations, and insulin management. It will also provide educational resources, ensuring women—especially those from underserved groups—are empowered to manage their condition effectively. This project aims to address critical gaps in GDM care, improving maternal and neonatal outcomes and reducing long-term health risks.
Funding Information
To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE or EPSRC Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £19,237 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:
• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.
Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.
Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.
Please note that other terms and conditions also apply.
Please note that any available PhD studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.
A small number of international awards will be available for allocation across the School. An international award is not guaranteed to be available for this project, and competition across the School for these awards will be highly competitive.
Academic Requirements:
The minimum academic requirement for admission is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education provider in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.
