Investigating the Health Impacts of Housing Regeneration in Blackpool: A Framework for Evaluation Grounded in Spatial Analysis and Lived Experience Lancaster University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at Lancaster University, in partnership with Blackpool Council, offers a unique opportunity to investigate the health impacts of housing regeneration in Blackpool. Supported by the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), the project aims to develop a robust framework for evaluating housing regeneration using spatial analysis and lived experience. The research will address critical health inequalities in Blackpool, the most deprived local authority in England, where poor housing is a major contributor to low life expectancy and health disparities.

The student will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative research on lived experience, to create a practical tool for local authorities to assess regeneration outcomes and guide investment decisions. The project will contribute to evidence-based policy development, highlighting the health dimensions of housing interventions and supporting integrated approaches to regeneration, public health, and social equity. Blackpool’s ongoing £90 million regeneration programme, backed by UK Government and Homes England, provides a compelling case study for this research.

Applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome, with preference for those experienced in health or social care and mixed methods research. Essential attributes include excellent communication skills, motivation, teamwork, and relevant research experience with human participants. Candidates should hold a 1st class honours undergraduate degree or a Distinction at Masters level in social science. Both Home and International candidates are eligible, and international students will not pay additional tuition fees. Lancaster University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from under-represented and marginalized groups. English language requirements must be met if applicable.

The studentship includes a standard UKRI home rate, UKRI standard stipend with an additional £2000 in each of the first two years, research costs, equipment, dissemination costs, and access to a Research Training Support Grant for expenses such as conference attendance and training courses. There is also potential for an additional three months of funding for a Research in Practice Placement within Healthier Fleetwood. The PhD can be undertaken full-time or part-time, with comprehensive training provided across all stages, including research ethics, systematic literature reviews, secondary data analysis, advanced statistics, and qualitative data collection and analysis.

To apply, submit a CV (max three pages), supporting letter (max two pages), transcript of degree courses and marks (with official translation if not in English), and a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to Dr Luigi Sedda at [email protected] by March 12, 2026. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams later in March. Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Luigi Sedda or Dr Sarah Blagden. The start date is October 1, 2026.

For further information on English language requirements, visit Lancaster University English Language Criteria. Download the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form here. Full project details are available on FindAPhD.