PhD Studentship - Co-designing a Novel Extended Reality Intervention to Support Engagement with Exercise Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis

[Full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £21,805 per annum (2026-27 rate) for 3 years. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. No additional funding for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa, or flights. The fourth year is self-funded for writing-up.] This PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative extended reality (XR) interventions for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Supported by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the project aims to co-design a novel XR tool that enhances engagement with exercise-based rehabilitation, addressing the variability in effectiveness observed in clinical trials. The research will be conducted in three phases: co-design workshops with MS patients, development and piloting of the XR intervention, and evaluation of its impact on participant engagement and motivation. Supervised by Dr. Alastair D. Smith, Dr. Rory Baxter, and Prof. Jennifer Freeman, the successful candidate will work closely with patients and interdisciplinary teams to ensure the intervention is tailored to real-world needs. The project is ideal for graduates in Psychology, Medicine, Neuroscience, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, or Computer Science, especially those with skills in computer programming or virtual reality technologies. Applicants without these skills must demonstrate a strong willingness to learn. The studentship provides full Home tuition fees and a generous stipend of £21,805 per annum (2026-27 rate) for three years. International applicants are welcome but must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. Additional costs such as NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa, and flights are not covered. The fourth year of registration is a self-funded writing-up year. Eligibility requirements include a first or upper second-class honours degree or a relevant Masters qualification, proficiency in programming or VR, and English language proficiency (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). Applicants should submit a CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two academic referees. The application deadline is 31 March 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates soon after. This studentship is a unique chance to advance research at the intersection of technology and healthcare, making a tangible impact on the lives of people with MS. For further details and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth's research studentships page.