PhD Co-Designing Privacy-First Digital Mental Health Services
PhD @Loughborough University posted 6 hours agoJob Description
Project details
This PhD project focuses on the co-design and development of privacy-first digital mental health services, investigating the processes and principles that underpin ethical, user-centred design. With digital mental health platforms increasingly being adopted, concerns around data privacy, transparency, and user trust remain significant. This research aims to critically explore and address these challenges by:
– Examining existing digital mental health services, their terms and conditions, data handling practices, and usability.
– Engaging with users (public and practitioners) to understand their needs, concerns, and expectations around privacy and digital tools for mental health.
Co-designing processes and guidelines that place privacy, transparency, and user agency at the core of digital service development.
This project welcomes applicants from diverse disciplines such as computer science, psychology, human-centred design, and related fields. It aims to leverage varied perspectives to contribute both theoretical insights and practical frameworks for the development of ethical digital mental health services.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor:Â Oli Buckley
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Students should have at least 2:1 in a relevant degree, or equivalent professional experience.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
£5,006 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Computer Science. Please quote the advertised reference number: CO/OB-SF1/2025 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.
Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.
