PhD Studentship in Public Health: Exploring co-occurring excess weight and severe mental illness in community settings

Award Summary

Funding will cover tuition fees at the Home (UK) rate only, a Research Training and Support Grant (£5,000 p.a.) and an annual stipend aligned to the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 24/25). Successful international candidates will be required to fund the difference between home and international fees. 

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: susanna.mills@newcastle.ac.uk  

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