About the studentships
The University of Cumbria and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC): North East and North Cumbria (NENC) are offering two fully funded PhD studentships in applied mental health research. Both form part of a programme developing research into mental health challenges in underserved populations, particularly within rural and coastal communities in Cumbria.
We are seeking candidates who are committed to inclusive and co-produced research. You will be supported by a wider interdisciplinary team of academics, stakeholders and people with lived experience.
The studentships are:
- Exploring trauma, power and agency in the context of domestic abuse-related deaths
- Exploring the place-based nature of Cumbria and its impact on mental health (deaths of despair) using participatory approaches
Apply for one project per application. Application deadline: 30 November 2026.
Key information (both studentships)
- Start date: March 2027
- Location: University of Cumbria
- Duration: 3.5 years full-time, including placement. Part-time options may be available; please get in touch.
- Funding: Home tuition fees paid in full, plus an annual stipend of £21,805 (2026–27 UKRI rate). Additional funding covers research and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Applicants with Home fee status only (UK applicants, and EU applicants with pre-settled or settled status who meet the residency criteria).
- Application deadline: 30 November 2026
- Interviews: TBC
Project 1
Exploring trauma, power and agency in the context of domestic abuse-related deaths
This project responds to the high number of domestic abuse-related death reviews undertaken by Cumberland Council. In January 2026 there were 20 active reviews, half of which involved suicide. Cumberland has the highest rate of female suicide in the country.
We propose a sequential mixed-methods design underpinned by a realist approach, examining what works, for whom and in what circumstances, to find solutions from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Supervisors: Professor Joy Duxbury and Dr Elizabeth A. Bates
Additional co-supervisors may be appointed to match the candidate’s proposal and methodology.
Informal enquiries: Professor Joy Duxbury (joy.duxbury@cumbria.ac.uk) or Dr Liz Bates (elizabeth.bates@cumbria.ac.uk)
Project 2
Exploring the place-based nature of Cumbria and its impact on mental health (deaths of despair) using participatory approaches
Parts of Cumbria have a high suicide rate, and figures for deaths of despair are high. There is an urgent need to explore the factors underpinning this and to develop co-produced solutions.
We propose participatory action research, using methodologies such as experience-based co-design.
Supervisor: Professor Joy Duxbury
Additional co-supervisors will be appointed to match the candidate’s proposal and methodology.
Informal enquiries: Professor Joy Duxbury (joy.duxbury@cumbria.ac.uk) or Dr Heba Ali (hebatallah.ali@cumbria.ac.uk)