PhD Studentship: Dietetic Service Models for Obesity and Malnutrition: An NHS Mixed-Methods Analysis

All students must be able to meet the University’s requirements for a research degree, which is to be able to devote a minimum of 35 hours per week (full-time) or 15 hours per week (part-time) to the programme of research.

The minimum entry requirement is a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification in psychology, nutrition science or related discipline. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

Non-UK applicants must have an IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall score of 6.5-7.0 and no score below 6.0 issued in the last 2 years.

Bursary p.a.: Self-funded

Fees and Bench fees: Bench fees £1500 Information on fees can be found here: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/study/fees/postgraduate-research-fees/

Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027

Project Title: Dietetic Service Models for Obesity and Malnutrition: An NHS Mixed-Methods Analysis 

Requirements: Nutrition/Dietetics degree and experience in research    

Project Description: This PhD offers the opportunity to investigate how dietetic services are structured and delivered within NHS pathways for those who are overweight/ obese and have malnutrition across three key specialties: oncology, geriatrics, and stroke. With rising pressures on NHS workforce capacity and growing demand for nutrition care, there is an urgent need to understand how managers, clinicians, and service users perceive the role of dietitians and how service models vary nationally. The project uses a mixed-methods approach to explore professional perspectives, map current service provision, and identify opportunities for service optimisation and integration.

Project contact: p0093897@brookes.ac.uk

To apply, contact: Formal applications should be submitted https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/prospective-students/applying via the above 'Apply' button. Masters by Research applications will be also considered.

For enquiries about the application process, contact hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk. Please email this address to let us know that you have applied. 

Interviews are expected to take place during the week of 24 April 2026.

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