PhD: Dietetic Needs in Healthy Ageing: Understanding Referrals, Frailty Pathways and Older Adults’ Perspectives

This PhD project is open to applications from Home, EU and International candidates. Part time study may be possible, for Home applicants only. Applications to study this topic under a Masters by Research programme may also be considered and should be discussed with. Dr Francesa Tabacchi, ftabacchi@brookes.ac.uk. The minimum entry requirement for Masters by Research is a lower second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification.

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, For accepted alternatives please visit this webpage

Bursary p.a.: Self-funded 

Fees and Bench fees: Candidates will need to fund course fees, and bench fees of £1500 per annum, for the duration of their studies. Fees information can be found here. For information on visas and associated costs please visit https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat

Start Date: September 2026 

Project Title: Dietetic Needs in Healthy Ageing: Understanding Referrals, Frailty Pathways and Older Adults’ Perspectives

Director of Studies: Dr Shelly Coe

Supervisors: Dr Francesca Tabacchi, Dr Vasiliki Iatridi

Requirements: Nutrition/Dietetics degree and experience in research    

Project Description: This PhD focuses on understanding nutrition and dietetic needs among community-dwelling older adults, with an emphasis on healthy ageing, outpatient care, and early frailty. As ageing populations rise across Europe, demand for nutrition care is increasing, yet referral reasons, pathway gaps, and patient perspectives remain poorly understood. This project uses a mixed methods approach to analyse 3-5 years of outpatient dietetic referrals, examine European clinicians’ views on dietitians in frailty and ageing pathways, and assess older adults’ perceived nutrition priorities and unmet needs. 

Project contact: ftabacchi@brookes.ac.uk

To arrange an informal conversation, please contact Dr Tabacchi including your CV and a one-page cover letter.

For enquiries about the application process and confirmation of the documents which are required, contact hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk. Formal applications should be submitted on our online system via the above 'Apply' button. Please email hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk to let us know that you have applied.

Interviews are expected to take place online during the week of 20 April 2026.

Please note that no funding is available for these projects. By applying you are indicating that you are able to support yourself during the period of the PhD. 

If you are a UK student you may be eligible to apply for a UK government loan to support your doctoral studies, please check your eligibility on the UK government website.

Visit the university webpage for more information about the Nutrition MPhil/PhD programme.

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