PhD Studentship in Public Health: Exploring How Local Economic Development Is Influencing the Obesogenic Environment

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £19,237 per annum (from 24/25) Significant additional funding given for training and conference attendance. International candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home fees and international fees.

Overview

Are you interested in understanding how the levelling up agenda is shaping the food and physical activity environment? A large number of local authorities have received funding from central government to invest in their local areas. Different types of projects have been funded, including those supporting the growth of local businesses and regenerating town centres.

The overall aim of this PhD is to explore how local economic development strategies are affecting the determinants of obesity, such as diet and physical activity. The student will aim to characterise the changes in the food and/or physical activity environment that have occurred as a result of town centre regeneration, analyse the impact on inequalities in diet or physical activity and explore some of the decision making processes at the local-government level. Although the student will be able to shape the project, we anticipate conducting a systematic review, secondary analysis of an existing dataset and interviewing relevant stakeholders. A budget is available for training.

You will develop expertise in how local governments are impacting the healthiness of our urban environments. You will have the opportunity to join and learn from the incredibly strong public health and urban development networks that are based in Newcastle University and the north east of England. 

Number of awards

1

Start date

September 2024

Award duration

The funding covers a three-year PhD.

Application closing date

29th April 2024

Sponsor

Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) scheme

Name of supervisor/s

Dr Prachi Bhatnagar, Population Heath Sciences Institute, Newcastle University

Staff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)

Dr Viviana Albani, Population Heath Sciences Institute, Newcastle University

Staff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)

Eligibility Criteria

• 2:1 minimum in a relevant subject area
• Preferable to have training in social research methods, through a masters or experience
• Interest in or experience of quantitative data analysis
• Interest in or experience of qualitative research
• Interest in research on improving environments to support healthy diets and physical activity levels
• Interest in reducing health inequalities
• Interest or experience in working with local authorities

How to apply

Please see https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=ph044 for more details.

Contact Details

prachi.bhatnagar@newcastle.ac.uk 

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