PhD Studentship: Peer support for individuals affected by alopecia areata: Understanding best practice

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the College of Health, Science & Society, UWE Bristol. 

The studentship will be funded by Alopecia UK.

Ref: 2526-OCT-CHSS04

The expected start date of this studentship is 01 October 2025

The closing date for applications is 13 July 2025. 

Studentship Details

This is an exciting opportunity to conduct a funded full-time PhD on peer support for individuals affected by alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune condition causing hair loss.

The successful candidate will benefit from being part of a thriving university research centre, the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR; www.uwe.ac.uk/car) at UWE Bristol. The studentship is funded Alopecia UK (https://www.alopecia.org.uk/).

For some people with AA, the condition and associated hair loss can create psychosocial challenges. Peer support is a popular resource for affected people. Yet very little is known on how to provide effective, psychologically safe, equitable, and inclusive peer support for AA.

Key aims include:

• Developing an evidence-based framework for peer support as a psychosocial intervention for AA.
• Designing and implementing peer support tailored to diverse needs.
• Addressing the specific needs of underserved groups with AA, including Asian and black individuals, adolescents, and men.
• Understanding how to measure the effectiveness of peer support interventions, to ultimately test the effectiveness of peer support.

We expect the PhD to adopt a predominantly qualitative approach. The successful candidate would also work closely with public and patient involvement partners and community leaders to reach underserved groups. 

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Fabio.zucchelli@uwe.ac.uk

Funding details

The studentship is available from 01 October 2025 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which will be £20,780 per annum for the 25/26 academic year. 

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

Eligibility

The studentship is open to UK citizens. A recognised English language qualification is required.

Essential criteria:

• A good honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) in psychology or related subject (e.g. mental health nursing, occupational therapy).
• Strong interpersonal skills (to collaborate with and build relationships with PPI partners and underserved groups).

Desirable criteria:

• Evidence of further study at Masters level or equivalent (e.g., MSc research methods, health psychology, clinical psychology).
• Experience of conducting applied research.
• A working understanding of qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge and interest in mental health and body image / appearance psychology.

In light of the project’s service user and equity-focused orientation, we particularly welcome applications from individuals with:

• Lived experience of alopecia areata (or other causes of visible difference)
• Global majority ethnicity (UWE’s definition: https://blogs.uwe.ac.uk/student/2025/03/13/uwe-bristol-adopts-the-term-global-majority/)
• Experience of peer support for alopecia areata (as attendee and/or facilitator)

How to apply

Please submit your application online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

When prompted use the reference number 2526-OCT-CHSS04

Supporting documentation: Please submit:

• A cover letter explaining in no more than one page your suitability for the studentship
• All your degree certificates and transcripts
• Proof of a recognised English language qualification

References: You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is 13 July 2025.

Further Information

It is expected that interviews will take place on the week commencing 28 July 2025.

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