BETW33N: Towards Equitable Digital Wellbeing – PhD Studentship University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, commencing October 2026. The project, titled BETW33N: Towards Equitable Digital Wellbeing, aims to co-develop and rigorously evaluate a digital tool designed to improve mental wellbeing among adolescents aged 12–15 in Worcestershire County. This initiative responds to pressing local priorities around mental health, loneliness, and social isolation, with a particular emphasis on equity and inclusion.

As a PhD student, you will collaborate closely with Worcestershire County Council, community partners, and young people to co-design an inclusive digital tool. The tool will provide psychoeducation and signposting, and will be integrated with social prescribing and community connector models. The project will investigate how such digital interventions can be implemented safely and equitably, ensuring they do not exacerbate existing health inequalities. The Living Well and Loneliness and Social Isolation initiatives of WCC will serve as established platforms for co-design, recruitment, and data collection, supporting the development and evaluation of scalable solutions with real-world impact.

This doctoral research will employ mixed methods, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and offers strong opportunities for applied, participatory, and policy-relevant research. You will be supported by an experienced, interdisciplinary supervisory team: Dr Julia Gauly, Dr Marco Bardus, and Professor Victoria Goodyear. Informal enquiries about the project can be directed to Dr Julia Gauly at [email protected].

Eligibility: Applicants should hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, or Applied Health Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Education, Social Care). An MSc in a relevant area is desirable but not essential. Experience with qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research, and/or work or research experience in mental health, is desirable.

Funding: Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, and research activity support grants. Due to UKRI funding stipulations, up to 30% of international applicants may be recruited to the cohort each year. For further details, visit the Centre-UB studentships page.

Application Process: To apply, follow the instructions at the Centre-UB application process page. The application deadline is February 17, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on March 16 and 17, 2026.

This studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative, community-driven research with the potential for significant impact on adolescent mental wellbeing and digital health equity.