Funded PhD opportunities
About the Project
The University of Cumbria is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in applied mental health research as part of a project to develop research addressing mental health challenges in underserved populations, particularly within rural and coastal communities in Cumbria.
We are seeking a candidate who is committed to inclusive and co-produced research. You will be supported by a wider interdisciplinary team, consisting of academics, stakeholders and people with lived experience.
We welcome research proposals of any projects focusing on mental health and inequalities. Given that this is part of a larger funded project we welcome applications that focus on any one of the following areas:
- Children & Young People and families and mental health
- Blue & green spaces and their impact on mental health & wellbeing
- Mental health Crisis
- Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Autism
Supervisors: Professor Joy Duxbury
(Additional co-supervisors will be appointed to match the candidate’s proposal and methodology).
Key Information:
- Start date: September 2025
- Location: University of Cumbria
- Eligibility: UK applicants
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
- Demonstratable understanding of mental health research and/or mental health inequalities
- Experience with at least one relevant research method
- Commitment to inclusive, co-produced research.
Desirable:
- A Merit or Distinction Master’s degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas
- 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 PhD 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 6th July 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in July. Proposed start date is September 2025.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Joy Duxbury (joy.duxbury@cumbria.ac.uk)
About PhDs at Cumbria
A PhD at Cumbria allows you to develop your ambitions in a supportive, challenging and innovative research environment.
With supervisory expertise at the intersections between theory and practice, the University offers a range of doctoral programmes to suit your research needs. This project is a full-time PhD by research.
On this course you will...
- Benefit from excellent supervision by a supervisory team.
- Become a part of a dedicated Graduate School.
- Have access to our research repository, networks, and facilities.
- Have the opportunity for supervised involvement in teaching.
In addition to the support of two designated supervisors, we have three 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 PhD 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 PhD journey.
At the beginning of your PhD they will help you develop your research aims and acquire specific skills or tools you need to carry out your research. The workshops aimed at mid-stage will focus on managing your research and starting to put it in a broader professional context. In the final stages they will guide you through thesis formatting, submission and examination procedures and regulations, as well as setting aside time to communicate your research with others and the potential impact of your research.
You will also participate in the annual Research Skills Summer School, held in early July each year. Hosted by The Graduate School for postgraduate researchers in a blended learning environment of virtual workshops and in-person sessions at the Lancaster campus, the Summer School is tailored to doctoral level study and the PhD journey.
Please find out more about our PhD resources from The Graduate School.
How you will be assessed
The PhD Programme includes the following assessment stages:
Transfer/Confirmation:
The transfer/confirmation process is the formal assessment postgraduate research students are required to undertake in order to continue with their PhD. It usually takes place between 12-18 months for full-time students and 18-24 months for part-time students. The transfer/confirmation process is initiated by a collaborative discussion between you and your supervisors at the time when you are ready to transfer. The panel must be able to confirm that your work is of appropriate quality and standard, and the project is viable within the registration period, based on draft chapters and/or evidence of data gathered.
Thesis:
At the end of your doctorate, you will submit a thesis reflecting your body of research, with a maximum of 80,000 words and minimum of 60,000 words for PhD.
Viva Voce:
Once you have submitted your thesis you will be invited to defend your doctorate at a ‘viva voce' (Latin for ‘by live voice') or oral examination in front of a panel.
Please contact Research Student Admissions at: rsa@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.
Funding Notes
The University is pleased to announce this NIHR funded PhD studentship.
The studentships will fund Home tuition fees only.
