Funded Studentships in Mental Health Research

Addressing mental health challenges in underserved populations

About the Project

The University of Cumbria is offering three fully funded Masters of Research [MRes] studentships in applied mental health research as part of a programme to develop research addressing mental health challenges in underserved populations, particularly within rural and coastal communities in Cumbria.

We are seeking three candidates who are committed to inclusive and co-produced research. You will be supported by a wider interdisciplinary team, consisting of academics, stakeholders and people with lived and living experience.

Given that this is part of a larger NIHR-funded programme we welcome applications that focus on any one of the following areas:

Place-based blue & green spaces and their impact on mental health & wellbeing
Mental Health Crisis
Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Autism

Supervisors: Professor Joy Duxbury and Professor Michelle Baybutt

(Additional co-supervisors will be appointed to match the candidate’s proposal and methodology).

Key Information:

Start date: Week commencing 21 September 2026
Location: University of Cumbria
Eligibility: UK applicants
Study Mode: Online
Duration: 2 years

Studentship and Application Information

Candidate Specifications

Required:

A 1st or 2:1 Honours degree or an equivalent degree that includes an independent research project in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas
A sound understanding of and keen interest in applied mental health research and/or mental health inequalities
Experience with at least one relevant research method
Commitment to inclusive, co-produced research.

Desirable:

Practical experience in mental health settings or community engagement
Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g. NVivo, SPSS)

How to Apply

To apply for the MRes Programme, please click on the Apply Now button, which will take you to our online application form. Please email any questions about your application to Research Student Admissions at: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk.

Please attach a CV (2 pages max) and Letter of Motivation, along with your research proposal (No more than 4 pages).

Application deadline is midnight on Sunday 5 July 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in July. Proposed start date is week commencing 21 September 2026.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Michelle Baybutt (michelle.baybutt@cumbria.ac.uk)

About MRes Courses at Cumbria

Research Masters Programme Information

The University of Cumbria research master's programme MRes - Master of Research Degree - University of Cumbria aims to develop participants as researchers capable of designing, leading, and communicating research and development projects. Participants will contribute new knowledge, while also having an impact on practice within your subject area, professional field or workplace context.

You will be working with a core interdisciplinary programme team and drawing upon the established expertise of University of Cumbria's academics and researchers.

For students with further study ambitions, it is possible to gain accreditation from prior learning (APL) from the MRes degree into either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Professional Practice (DProf). To progress from the Master of Research to the PhD or DProf, you will require 60% average overall, Merit or above, on successful completion of the MRes.

This MRes is a part-time degree that introduces research methods and provides a firm foundation for those who wish to develop their careers, enter the research sector, or pursue doctoral study. This course will equip you for a career as professional researcher in either academic or non-academic environments.

This is a Masters-level qualification involving taught elements, a research proposal and supervised independent research. You will undertake specified taught modules on a part time basis, normally completed within twenty-four months of first registration and this will lead to the award of MRes.

Course structure

Year One

The first year of the MRes focuses on understanding the range of research methods and their applicability in your chosen field. This will include how to develop research projects, funding applications or doctoral proposals based on an evaluation of current knowledge.

Research Methods for Professional Practice (40 credits)
Project Design, Development and Planning (40 credits)

Year Two

The second year is dedicated to supporting you in conducting an independent research project, alongside formative activities that encourage you to develop your research networks and communities, the impact of your work, and how it might develop further.

Research Project (100 credits)

A MRes at Cumbria allows you to develop your ambitions in a supportive, challenging and innovative research environment.

On this course you will...

Benefit from excellent supervision by a supervisory team in Year 2.
Become a part of a dedicated Graduate School.
Have access to our research repository, networks, and facilities.

In addition to the support of designated supervisors, we have two dedicated 24/7 access Postgraduate Research Study Rooms which you can use as part of your studies on our campus. You can also access all campus libraries for research as well as our Graduate School online learning platform.

As a MRes student, you can utilise the Research Skills Development Programme, which provides a range of free workshops for all staff and postgraduate research students over the academic year. The workshops are formulated to provide support during your MRes journey.

Please find out more about our MRes resources from The Graduate School.

Enquires regarding the MRes course can be directed to: enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.