Oxford Brookes University is offering a fully funded PhD studentship focused on Food, Nutrition, and Health in female prisoners, under the Nigel Groome Studentship. This project is based at the Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health and supervised by Professor Jonathan Tammam, Dr Shelly Coe, and Ms Bethan Leach. The research aims to address a critical public health challenge by improving the nutrition and health of women in custody, a group with unique dietary needs and elevated risks of poor mental and physical health. The project will use a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive quantitative analysis of dietary intake from all food sources and qualitative research into the lived experiences of female prisoners regarding food provision. An intervention trial will evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on health outcomes, building on previous research in male prisoners. The research is designed to generate robust data to inform policy and reform food provision in prisons, with the potential for significant social and operational impact. The studentship covers a stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), university fees, and bench fees for three years for Home UK/EU applicants. International applicants are eligible but must pay the difference between International and Home fees and demonstrate their ability to cover these costs. Visa and associated fees are not funded. The position requires up to 6 hours of teaching per week during semester time and participation in a teaching skills course. Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification. International/EU applicants must provide a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0 and no score below 6.0, issued in the last two years. The application deadline is 20 February 2026, with the programme starting in September 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Oxford Brookes University website or contact [email protected].

[Stipend at UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), tuition fees at Home rate, and bench fees covered. International applicants must pay the difference between International and Home fees. Visa and associated costs are not funded.] Oxford Brookes University is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship within the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, School of Sport, Nutrition and Allied Health Professions. This prestigious Nigel Groome PhD Studentship focuses on Food, Nutrition, and Health in Female Prisoners , employing a mixed-methods approach to assess dietary sufficiency, intervention, and lived experience. The project addresses a critical public health challenge: improving the nutrition and health of women in custody, a group with unique dietary needs and heightened risk of poor mental and physical health. Despite their vulnerability, female prisoners are underrepresented in research. This studentship aligns with UK government priorities and has strong potential for policy impact, aiming to generate robust data to inform and reform food provision and consumption in prisons. The research will combine comprehensive quantitative analysis of dietary intake (including meals provided, canteen purchases, and family contributions) with qualitative exploration of prisoners’ lived experiences and perceptions of food provision, especially before and after menu standardisation. Additionally, an intervention trial will evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on health outcomes, building on previous research in male prisoners. The project involves close collaboration with HMPPS and MoJ colleagues, ensuring real-world application and the potential for meaningful policy change. The studentship covers a stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), tuition fees at the Home rate, and bench fees. International applicants are welcome but must pay the difference between International and Home fees; visa and associated costs are not funded. The successful candidate will be required to undertake up to 6 hours of teaching per week during semester time (including preparation and marking) and participate in a teaching skills course. Eligibility: Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor’s Degree with at least a 2:1 (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject. International/EU applicants must provide a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0 and no component below 6.0, issued within the last 2 years. Part-time MPhil/PhD study may be considered for Home Fee status applicants only. International applicants must evidence their ability to pay the fee difference during the application process. Application deadline: 20 February 2026. The studentship is expected to start in September 2026. For application information, contact [email protected] . For programme queries, email Professor Jonathan Tammam . For further details on international student support, visit Oxford Brookes International Student Advice Team .

[Full tuition fees at Home rate, bench fees, and UKRI stipend of £20,780 per year for 3 years. International applicants must pay the difference between International and Home fees. Visa and associated costs are not funded.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Oxford Brookes University offers a unique opportunity to address a critical public health challenge: improving the nutrition and health of female prisoners. The project, titled 'Food, Nutrition, and Health in Female Prisoners: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Dietary Sufficiency, Intervention, and Lived Experience,' aims to generate robust data to inform and reform food provision and consumption in UK prisons. Women in custody are a highly vulnerable group, facing gender-specific dietary needs and elevated risks of poor mental and physical health, yet they remain severely underrepresented in research. This studentship aligns with UK government priorities and has strong potential for policy impact, promising transformational benefits for prisoner wellbeing, operational practices, and broader social outcomes. The research will be supervised by Professor Jonathan Tammam (Director of Studies), Dr Shelly Coe, and Ms Bethan Leach, who bring expertise in nutrition, public health, and mixed-methods research. The successful candidate will join the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology and benefit from a supportive academic environment with a track record of policy-influencing research in this field. Funding includes a UKRI stipend of £20,780 per year for three years, full tuition fees at the Home rate, and bench fees. International applicants are welcome but must pay the difference between International and Home fees; visa and associated costs are not covered. The studentship also requires up to 6 hours of teaching per week during semester time, including preparation and marking, and participation in a teaching skills course. Eligibility criteria include a UK Bachelor’s Degree with at least a 2:1 (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject. International/EU applicants must provide a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0 and no score below 6.0, issued within the last 2 years. Applicants must evidence their ability to pay the fee difference if applying as an international student. The application deadline is 20 February 2025, with interviews to be confirmed online. The programme is set to start in September 2026. For further information on the application process, contact [email protected] or visit the university's international student advice page. Programme-specific queries can be directed to Professor Jonathan Tammam at [email protected]. This studentship is ideal for candidates passionate about nutrition, public health, and social justice, seeking to make a meaningful impact through research and policy development.