PhD Studentship – Public Health: Who is Shaping Healthy and Sustainable Policies in UK Cities?
Newcastle University – Population Health Sciences Institute
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
General Description – include all relevant details from the source
Newcastle University is offering a fully funded PhD studentship within its Population Health Sciences Institute focused on understanding how healthy, equitable, and sustainable urban policies are shaped within UK cities. This doctoral project will investigate the actors and influences behind healthy food or active travel policy development at the local government level. Using methods such as stakeholder mapping, network analysis, systematic review, case study analysis, and document review, the research will explore which stakeholders exert influence on policy making, the strategies and narrative frames they mobilise, and how local governments respond. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment with access to strong public health, sustainability, and urban development networks at Newcastle University and will work under the supervision of academics from Newcastle and the University of Oxford. Funding is provided through the NUAcT scheme and includes support for research costs, training, and conference attendance. Start date is in September 2026, and the studentship runs for three years.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be eligible for UK home fee status; this studentship is only open to UK/Home students who will have 100 % of tuition fees covered. A minimum 2:1 academic degree in a relevant subject area is required, alongside training or experience in social research methods and an interest in qualitative research and public health policy. Interest or experience in working with local authorities and in shifting urban food or active travel systems to equitably support healthy and sustainable behaviours is also expected.
Required expertise/skills
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to conduct qualitative and mixed methods research, including stakeholder mapping and document analysis. Skills in systematic review and network analysis are desirable. A strong interest in public health policy, urban sustainability, and equitable health outcomes is essential. Effective communication and analytical skills, and the capacity to engage with interdisciplinary research teams, are critical for success in this role.
Salary details
The studentship provides an annual stipend of £21,805 and covers 100 % of UK home tuition fees. Additional funding is available for research expenses, training, and conference travel.
Application Deadline
Closing date for applications: 30 March 2026.