Funded Opportunities in Social and Behavioural Sciences Research

Research area

Cold homes at the end of life

Scholarship Title

PhD in Residence: National Energy Action (NEA)  

Supervision

Dr Julie Ellis, Dr Mary Turner and Dr Tom Simcock External supervisor: Dr Danielle Butler (NEA)  

Duration

3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances) 

Background 

We are excited to announce a collaboration with NEA offering a fabulous opportunity to conduct PhD research with real-world relevance and impact. By being embedded within the organisation, you will have opportunities to work closely with colleagues to develop your research ideas, strategies for data collection and to work jointly to maximise the impact of your research, co-producing outputs for varied audiences (e.g. journal articles, briefing papers, training for their staff). This focus on professional development within the organisation will enhance your post-PhD employability. You will also have access to our full range of on-campus facilities and PhD training and access to our Teaching Assistant Preparation Program.  

The UK is experiencing unprecedented rises in energy costs, exacerbated by the current cost-of-living crisis. In April 2022, energy prices rose by 54% for the typical energy user, and even more than this for those who have above average energy needs (National Energy Action (NEA), 2022). Individuals who are terminally ill or reaching the end of life are among the most vulnerable to the consequences of fuel poverty and cold and poor-quality housing and yet the experiences of this group are underexplored in research.   

Outline & focus 

We are inviting applications for research project ideas which aim to explore the impact of fuel poverty upon experiences of the end of life. Specific areas of focus might include but are not limited to, the implications for palliative and end of life care services, the experiences of particular groups of dying people, policy and social welfare responses, or the legacy of energy poverty for bereaved partners and families. These are understudied areas of research, and we anticipate that the findings will influence policy and practice.

This project will be integrated in an ongoing programme of work led by NEA and undertaken in partnership with the University of Huddersfield. There will be opportunities for exposure and involvement in policy development, networking and multi-programme experience. We are looking for candidates with a background and interest in areas which may include: social policy, psychology, health studies, sociology and with a demonstrable passion for social change. The successful candidate will join the Healthy Housing Initiative at the University of Huddersfield. 

Eligibility criteria & conditions 

• Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s. 
•  Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.  
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount

• Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)
• Waiver of home fees
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance  

Funding for

UK Students

Application deadline – Friday 26^th May 2023 

Start date – October 2023  

Application notes

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_07 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. The successful applicant may eventually be required to adjust their proposed research in line with data available within NEA, but we encourage you not to be limited by this in creatively tackling knowledge gaps in your research proposal.
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments).  
• When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Julie Ellis and Dr Mary Turner.

Apply online

Research Area

Early predictors of drug use: using big data to understand the predictors and trajectories of drug use 

Scholarship Title

Cognition and Neuroscience Studentship 

Supervision

Dr Chris Retzler, Dr Anna Murphy, Dr Jenny Retzler

Duration

3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances) 

Background 

What factors predict adolescent drug use, escalation, and abuse? Can advanced statistical analyses help us to identify those at risk and thus inform targeted interventions? We are looking for a PhD student to help us explore the answers to these and other key questions around the development of drug use. 

Outline & focus 

This PhD will utilise secondary data from the ABCD study and advanced analysis techniques to assess how biological and environmental factors predict the level and type of drug use across adolescence. This dataset is a large longitudinal study of brain development that follows more than 11,000 young people from the age of 9-10 years, tracking their biological, cognitive and behavioural development into young adulthood. This project presents a unique opportunity to access a rich longitudinal dataset of a size and nature that would usually be beyond the scope of a PhD. We plan to combine innovative statistical approaches (e.g., latent class analysis and group-based trajectory modelling), with neuroimaging analyses (e.g. fMRI, DTI), to gain novel insights into the interaction of different factors that predict early drug use. Results could be further used to inform research plans for primary data collection within the PhD. We welcome proposals that address the above questions (or related aims) and encourage applicants to work with us to develop their applications.   

Eligibility criteria & conditions 

• Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a Psychology-related discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s. 
• Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.  
• If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. 
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount

• Stipend rising each year and matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)
• Waiver of equivalent of home fees (International students will be charged the difference between home and international fees) 
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance

Funding for

UK Students, EU Students & International Students 

[Partial fee-waivers may also be available to excellent candidates who are unsuccessful for the studentship] 

Application deadline – Friday 26^th May 2023 

Start date – October 2023  

Application notes 

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_01 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. 
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
• When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Chris Retzler and Dr Jenny Retzler.

Apply online

Research area

Sustainable Development Goals in relation to Health and/or Social Sciences

Scholarship title

Human and Health Sciences Sustainable Development PhD Scholarships 

Supervision

to be identified by the applicant via our research portal Pure

Duration

3 years full-time on campus/distance learning; or 6 years part-time distance learning

Background 

The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.  

They are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, addressing the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.  

The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals. 

Today, progress is being made in many places, but, overall, action to meet the Goals is not yet advancing at the speed or scale required. 2020 needs to usher in a decade of ambitious action to deliver the Goals by 2030. 

www.un.org

Outline & focus 

Our research community has a strong focus on addressing these goals and we are therefore offering to waive 50% of international fees to students who propose research in line with one or more of the 17 SDGs. The fee waivers will be assessed on a competitive basis judged on academic record, aptitude for research and understanding of the proposed research project. 

We encourage you to search key words related to the SDG you are interested in researching further on Pure, our research portal. You will find a wide variety of SDG-relevant research we are keen to supervise within the School of Human & Health Sciences.  

Once you have identified potential supervisors from within the school, you will need to contact them in order to firstly confirm their availability for supervision and secondly to discuss whether your research ideas have the potential to make a difference to societies globally.  

Eligibility criteria & conditions 

• Achievement that equates to upper second-class honours at undergraduate level or a merit at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s. 
• Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a 2:1/merit.  
• If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall no element lower than 6, or equivalent. 
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of three hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount  

• 50% waiver of international fees
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance

Funding for

International Students

Application deadline – Friday 26^th May 2023 

Start date – October 2023 

Application notes 

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_05 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document. 
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. 
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
• Name the staff you are applying to be supervised by, when asked for staff names on the application form. For this Scholarship your proposed supervisors must complete the  Statement of Support form and send it to  HHSPhDApps@hud.ac.uk by the deadline of Friday 26th May 2023.

Apply online

Research Area

Investigating the wider harms of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) offending on the families of those under investigation/convicted

Scholarship Title

PhD in Residence: Talking Forward  

Supervision

Prof Rachel Armitage, Dr Carla Reeves, Dr Tracy Hardy   

Duration

3 years full time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances)

Background 

We are excited to announce a collaboration with Talking Forward offering a fabulous opportunity to conduct PhD research with real-world relevance and impact. By being embedded within the organisation, you will have opportunities to work closely with colleagues to develop your research ideas, strategies for data collection and to work jointly to maximise the impact of your research, co-producing outputs for varied audiences (e.g. journal articles, briefing papers, training for their staff). This focus on professional development within the organisation will enhance your post-PhD employability. You will also have access to our full range of on-campus facilities and PhD training and access to our Teaching Assistant Preparation Program.  

This PhD will be focused upon investigating the impacts of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) offending on the families of those under investigation/convicted. It will explore current policy and practice in supporting families through the Criminal Justice System and propose improvements in agency responses, from the police warrant to life beyond sentencing. The candidate will work closely with the charity Talking Forward (based in Leeds, West Yorkshire) and will be embedded (part-time) with them, gaining insight into their work with families affected by the arrest of a family member for accessing child abuse images. 

Outline & focus 

There will be opportunities for contributing to work with families and with key agencies (such as the police and children’s services), where appropriate and relevant to the research project, and for collaborative exploration of the policy implications of research findings. 

This is an understudied area of research, and we anticipate that the findings will influence policy and practice. Areas on which a research proposal might focus include, but are not limited to: how the police conduct a search warrant, the trauma of witnessing a family member’s arrest, the impact of parental separation through limited access and/or a custodial sentence, and the stigma often associated with child sexual offences.  

We are looking for candidates with a Criminology, Policing, Psychology or Social Work background and with a passion for change in supporting vulnerable families. 

Eligibility criteria & conditions 

• Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s.  
• Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.   
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount

• Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)
• Waiver of home fees 
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance.   

Funding for

UK Students 

Application deadline – Friday 26th May 2023 

Start date - October 2023  

Additional Application notes 

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
  
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_09 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. The successful applicant may eventually be required to adjust their proposed research in line with data available within Talking Forward, but we encourage you not to be limited by this in creatively tackling knowledge gaps in your research proposal.
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments).  
• When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Professor Rachel Armitage and Dr Carla Reeves.

Apply online

Research area

Development and evaluation of a leisure centre-based physical activity programme to improve health-related quality of life and health behaviours

Scholarship Title

PhD in Residence: Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL)

Supervision

Dr Matt Haines, Dr Liane Azevedo, Dr Kevin Kipling 

Duration

3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances) 

Background 

We are excited to announce a collaboration with KAL offering a fabulous opportunity to conduct PhD research with real-world relevance and impact. By being embedded within the organisation, you will have opportunities to work closely with colleagues to develop your research ideas, strategies for data collection and to work jointly to maximise the impact of your research, co-producing outputs for varied audiences (e.g. journal articles, briefing papers, training for their staff). This focus on professional development within the organisation will enhance your post-PhD employability. You will also have access to our full range of on-campus facilities and PhD training and access to our Teaching Assistant Preparation Program. 

KAL is a charitable trust which manages 12 local leisure facilities on behalf of Kirklees Council. KAL places health and wellbeing as a high priority, and the services it provides positively contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of the Kirklees community. Together the School of Human and Health Sciences and KAL have developed several Standard Evaluation Frameworks which support the delivery and evaluation of different health and wellbeing programmes within the community. 

This co-sponsored PhD would further strengthen the collaboration and help to improve KAL’s existing physical activity provision and to develop new pathways for an active lifestyle to improve health and wellbeing. The student will work closely with KAL and be offered mentoring support, office desk space, and incentives for participants to participate. 

Outline & focus 

There is some flexibility in the PhD study area, which could include one of the following areas: 

1. Development and evaluation of preoperative exercise therapy on patients with musculoskeletal conditions or neurological diseases. 
2. Development and evaluation of postnatal exercise programme. 
3. Explore the delivery, evaluation and implementation of the Public Health England Physical Activity Clinical Champions training in the Kirklees region. 

As well as aiming for a long-term positive impact on the health of the local population, the research will contribute to broader knowledge by developing and evaluating novel interventions using the MRC framework for developing complex interventions. 

Eligibility criteria & conditions 

• Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s. 
•  Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.  
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount

• Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)
• Waiver of home fees
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance  

Funding for

UK Students

Application deadline – Friday 26^th May 2023 

Start date – October 2023  

Application notes

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_06 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. The successful applicant may eventually be required to adjust their proposed research in line with data available within KAL, but we encourage you not to be limited by this in creatively tackling knowledge gaps in your research proposal.
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
• When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Matt Haines and Dr Liane Azevedo. 

Apply online

Research area

Social Movements and Transitional Justice ‘from below’: Exploring Grassroots Activism in Armed Conflicts and Post-Conflict Contexts  

Scholarship Title

Democracy and Participation Studentship 

Supervision

Dr Camilo Tamayo Gomez

Duration

3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances) 

Background 

In recent years, a critical turn in the linkages between social movements and transitional justice studies has materialised, questioning the naturalness and effectiveness of conventional transitional justice theory and practice, and envisioning a broader and more holistic project. This critical change is questioning what transitional justice ‘success’ looks like from a social movements and victims’ perspective and exploring ways to overcome the crisis of legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice efforts.   

In this context, the framework of transitional justice ‘from below’ has been used to explore perspectives where victims and social movements are addressed as actors with their own agency and organisational capability in temporal and normative aspects. The concept of transitional justice ‘from below’ also constitutes an abstract ideal that needs to be redefined by bringing into consideration the function and particularities of victims’ grassroots activism and social movements’ collective actions.  

Outline & focus 

This studentship will be awarded for a proposal exploring the relationship between social movements and transitional justice ‘from below’ in armed conflict and post-conflict contexts. We welcome proposals that address any of the following:  

1) Theoretical and conceptual reflections concerning the relationship between social movements and transitional justice ‘from below’;  

2) Methodological considerations regarding how to research the link between social movements, transitional justice, and transformative justice;  

3) Analysis of case studies exploring grassroots activism in armed conflicts, and post-conflict contexts;  

4) Evaluation of the challenges facing the critical turn in the linkages between social movements and transitional justice studies. 

Eligibility criteria & conditions 

• Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. We will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s.
• Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.
• If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent.
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount  

• Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)  
• Waiver of equivalent of home fees (International students will be charged the difference between home and international fees) 
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance 

Funding for

UK Students, EU Students & International Students 

[Partial fee-waivers may also be available to excellent candidates who are unsuccessful for the studentship] 

Application deadline – Friday 26^th May 2023 

Start date – October 2023  

Application notes 

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_15 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. 
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
• When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Camilo Tamayo Gomez.

Apply online

Research Area

Reducing the risk of fire and accidents within vulnerable groups 

Scholarship Title

PhD in Residence: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) 

Supervision

Professor David Peebles, Professor Michael Doyle, Dr Kate Parkinson, Dr Tom Simcock

Duration

3 years full time

Background

We are excited to announce a collaboration with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) offering a fabulous opportunity to conduct PhD research with real-world relevance and impact. By being embedded within the organisation, you will have opportunities to work closely with colleagues to develop your research ideas, strategies for data collection and to work jointly to maximise the impact of your research, co-producing outputs for varied audiences (e.g. journal articles, briefing papers, training for their staff). This focus on professional development within the organisation will enhance your post-PhD employability. You will also have access to our full range of on-campus facilities and PhD training and access to our Teaching Assistant Preparation Program. 

This PhD is focused on investigating how the WYFRS can reduce the risk of fire and accidents within vulnerable groups (e.g., older people, people living alone, people with disabilities) and create safer and stronger communities. 

Outline & focus

The PhD researcher will survey current WYFRS policy and practice of outreach activities and the identification of key groups and evaluate the nature and effectiveness of information provided to the public. Based on the results of this phase, the researcher will then explore options for improving risk information and the targeting of outreach activity. The PhD will involve close collaboration with WYFRS and the development of studies involving the public.

We are looking for candidates with experience in the design and analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) of research studies and the ability to develop and evaluate optimal methods for the communication of risk and its prevention.   

Eligibility criteria & conditions

• Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s.  

• Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.   
• A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment. 

Funding amount

• Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)   
• Waiver of home fees  
• Modest costs for field work and conference attendance   

Funding for

UK Students 

Application deadline – Friday 26th May 2023 

Start date - October 2023  

Additional Application notes 

• To ensure your application is considered for this School of Human and Health Sciences Scholarship, please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
• Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_08 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
• Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
• Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. The successful applicant may eventually be required to adjust their proposed research in line with data available within WYFRS, but we encourage you not to be limited by this in creatively tackling knowledge gaps in your research proposal.
• At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
• When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Professor David Peebles and Professor Michael Doyle.

Apply online

Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships and Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarships

School of Human and Health Sciences

In addition to our fully funded PhD studentships and scholarships with a specific focus, the School of Human and Health Sciences is offering a limited number of Vice Chancellor’s and Chancellor’s Anniversary scholarships comprising fee-waivers for MSc by Research and PhD for competitive application. For eligibility, please see the links above. Those applying to HHS for one of these scholarships should be prepared to contribute up to 270 hours of unpaid work per year (approx 6 hrs per week, or 3 hrs per week part-time) to the School which may include teaching assistance, related preparation and marking and research assistance.

Application is via the online application form.

Additional application notes

•    Select either Master’s by Research or PhD (as relevant) on the application form in one of the following subjects: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Social work and Social Policy, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.

•    Where the online application form asks about payment of fees select 'other' and state that you wish to be considered for the “Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship” or “Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarship” in the free text box and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_CAS01 (Chancellor's Anniversary Scholarship) or HHS_2023_VCFW (Vice Chancellor's Scholarship). You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.

•    Add a 200-word summary of the proposed research project at the beginning of the research proposal headed ‘Summary of Research Proposal for Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship / Chancellor’s Anniversary Scholarship’.

•    At the end of the research proposal please include a 300-word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the contribution of your proposed research to the work of one of our research centres, and the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking).

•    Discuss your proposed research with two members of academic staff who are prepared to supervise the project and name these on the application form. The supervisors should complete the Statement of Support for Supervision of a Scholarship 2023 form and submit this to HHSPhDApps@hud.ac.uk. Applicants are advised to remind potential supervisors to submit this by the deadline of 9th June, 2023.

•    Please also note that if applying for PhD based on your MSc by Research outcome, you will need to allow us to review the examiners’ comments on your MSc thesis.

General enquiries about scholarships and postgraduate research within the School of Human and Health Sciences should be directed to Dr Dawn Leeming, School Director of Graduate Education. Queries about the process of application should be directed to the postgraduate research admissions administrators at HHSPhDApps@hud.ac.uk.

Research Area

Challenging Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy via personal narratives: promoting informed choice among pregnant people from minoritised backgrounds.

Scholarship Title

New Horizons PhD Studentship

Supervision

Dr Eilish Duke; Dr Susie Kola-Palmer

Duration

3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances)

Background

Vaccine hesitancy, the delay in acceptance or refusal of available vaccines, is a top ten threat to global health. It is partly attributed to psychological and sociodemographic characteristics. Vaccine hesitancy is not uniform across a population, and individuals who are pregnant and / or from under-represented and minoritised groups are particularly hesitant toward the COVID-19. These populations are also highly vulnerable to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, intersectionality is lacking in vaccine hesitancy research, and it is unclear to what extent gender intersects with ethnicity to influence vaccine hesitancy.

Outline & Focus

To advance understanding of vaccine hesitancy, we propose a novel perspective, to include intersectional identities in understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Research by our team and others suggests individuals from under-represented and minoritised backgrounds, particularly those who are pregnant may report relatively low levels of trust in health care providers (HCP), often turning to social media to meet their informational needs. Social media has, however, been linked to the spread of misinformation and increased Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to pursue research using mixed methods approaches (qualitative interviews and quantitative statistical analyses) to help explore vaccine hesitancy, information evaluation, and (mis)trust of the medical establishment among pregnant women from minoritised backgrounds in the UK.

Eligibility criteria & conditions

Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a relevant discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s.

Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.  

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent.

A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment.

Funding amount

•    Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)  
•    Waiver of equivalent of home fees (International students will be charged the difference between home and international fees) 
•    Modest costs for field work and conference attendance  

[Partial fee-waivers may also be available to excellent candidates who are unsuccessful for the studentship]

Funding for

UK Students, EU Students & International Students

Application deadline – Friday 26th May 2023

Start date - October 2023

Additional application notes

•    Please select one of the following subjects of study in the application form: Psychology, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Health Sciences.
•    Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_10 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
•    Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
•    Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. 
•    At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
•    When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Eilish Duke and Dr Susie Kola-Palmer

Apply online

Research Area

Assessing the effects of vision loss on visual pathways, cognitive function and quality of life

Scholarship Title

New Horizons PhD Studentship

Supervision

Dr Holly Brown; Prof David Peebles; external associate Dr Heidi Baseler, University of York.

Duration

3 years full-time (part-time study over 6 years may be possible in some circumstances)

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the primary causes of incurable sight loss in the world, characterised by the progressive loss of central vision, following damage to the macula, the central part of the retina. In addition to the profound effects on lifestyle and quality of life resulting from vision loss, AMD has also been linked to a worrying decline in cognitive function. Separately, changes in brain areas related not only to vision but also cognitive functions such as memory have also been identified in AMD. Conversely, physical activity has been shown to protect against both neural atrophic changes in the brain as well as cognitive decline, suggesting possible approaches to mitigate these changes in AMD.

Outline & Focus

The purpose of the proposed research is to examine the relationship between neural changes in the brain and eyes in AMD patients and cognitive function, physical activity levels and self-reported quality of life. While previous studies have examined individual variables associated with vision loss, e.g., structural brain changes, this would be the first to examine the interaction of multiple variables within the context of AMD, with the ultimate aim to help both clinicians and patients improve overall health and quality of life. As people live longer, age-related conditions such as AMD and cognitive decline have become major health, economic and social concerns.

This collaborative project would allow for the opportunity to analyse existing non-invasive neuroimaging (MRI) data, as well as opportunities to collaborate with other researchers at the University of Huddersfield, notably the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. We invite proposals for research investigating how multiple variables such as cognitive function, physical and social activities may interact with clinical measures in the context of AMD and how this compares to healthy ageing.

Eligibility criteria & conditions

Achievement that equates to first-class honours at undergraduate level or a distinction at master’s level in a Psychology-related discipline. Our preference is for applicants who have already demonstrated excellence at master’s level, but we will consider exceptional applicants without a master’s. A good knowledge of statistics is desirable, and some experience with neuroimaging data would be helpful but not essential.

Applicants who are expecting to achieve the above standard before October can still apply, so long as there is already clear evidence from coursework marks that they are on target to achieve a first/distinction.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent.

A condition of the scholarship is that you will contribute an average of six hours per week to assisting with undergraduate teaching, preparation and marking and/or supporting staff research and broader School activities, without additional payment.

Funding amount

•    Stipend matched to UKRI rates (currently £17,668 p.a. for full-time)  
•    Waiver of equivalent of home fees (International students will be charged the difference between home and international fees) 
•    Modest costs for field work and conference attendance

[Partial fee-waivers may also be available to excellent candidates who are unsuccessful for the studentship]

Funding for

UK Students, EU Students & International Students

Application deadline – Friday 26th May 2023

Start date - October 2023

Additional application notes

•    Please select Psychology as the subject of study in the application form
•    Where the online application form asks about payment of fees, select 'other' and provide the name and reference number HHS_2023_14 in the free text box. You can follow more detailed instructions in our Scholarship Application Funding and Fees Guidance document.
•    Upload a research proposal with your application, addressing the issues identified above. Guidance is provided by the University for writing research proposals. 
•    Please start the proposal with a 200-word summary of the proposed research project and include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying. 
•    At the end of the research proposal please include a 300 word statement explaining the broader contribution that you would make to the School. This should include the qualities that you would bring to enable you to contribute to the teaching and research communities of the School (e.g. contributing to seminars, assisting with staff research, assisting with undergraduate teaching and marking of assignments). 
•    When asked for staff names on the application form, please name Dr Holly Brown and Prof David Peebles

Apply online