Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026, though there may be some flexibility for a January 2027 start.
Director of Studies (DoS):
Dr Sophie Homer
2nd Supervisor: , King’s College London
2nd Supervisor: , King’s College London
Project description
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship as part of the '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.
- The studentship is supported for four years of the four-year registration period.
- Working part-time while receiving a stipend at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ is generally permitted, provided it does not conflict with the terms of your funding requirements.
- Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend.
How to apply
To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link 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 relevant, proof of English Language Competency (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).
Please view a list of
supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our
how to apply for a research degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk. Applications will not be considered if information is missing.
The closing date for applications is 10 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. 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.
Faculty of Health