PhD Studentship: ‘A systems approach to staff mental health in higher education

A systems approach to staff mental health in higher education

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st October 2026, though there may be some flexibility for a January 2027 start.

DoS: Dr Sophie Homer, University of Plymouth

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Nicola Byrom, King’s College London

Project Description

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship as part of the NIHR Mental Health Research Group's programme of research exploring whole-university approaches to mental health.

While universities have invested considerable effort into improving student mental health, much less is known about the mental health of the staff who work within these systems. This project will develop a systems-level understanding of university staff mental health, exploring how organisational structures, cultures, policies, roles and relationships influence staff wellbeing, including (but not limited to) the impact of supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties.

Working within a wider programme of participatory systems research, the successful candidate will contribute to developing evidence that can inform healthier, more sustainable university systems for both staff and students.

The exact research questions and methodology will be developed with the successful candidate but are likely to involve qualitative and participatory methods, such as interviews, focus groups and systems mapping workshops.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Sophie Homer, sophie.homer@plymouth.ac.uk

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Master’s qualification. Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in mental health, higher education, or organisational wellbeing. Applications are particularly welcomed from those with an interest or experience in systems thinking and/or systems science.

Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to those candidates who meet the residency requirements for "Home" status.

If you meet the residency requirements but your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 4 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. 

How to Apply

To apply, please click on the Apply button above.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• CV / résumé
• Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
• Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
• If you meet the residency requirements but your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme.  Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

The closing date for applications is 10/08/2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has not been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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