Summer Sale

Up to 30% off — ends 2 Aug

ONLY00h00m00s

Publisher
source

University of Worcester

Exploring Suicidality and Mental Health Support Pathways Following Bereavement in Rural Contexts in the UK University of Worcester in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Sociology

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Worcester

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

Suggested positions

Keywords

Sociology
Psychology
Medical Statistics
Suicide Prevention
Health Psychology
Medical Science
Community Engagement
Salud Pública
Bereavement Support
Stigma
Mental Illness
Suicide
Statistics

About this position

This full-time PhD studentship at the University of Worcester investigates suicidality and mental health support pathways following bereavement in rural England, with a particular focus on Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Bereavement is a significant risk factor for suicide, especially in rural areas where social isolation, self-reliance, and structural inequalities can hinder access to support services. The project aims to understand the lived experience of rural bereavement, identify barriers and facilitators to suicide prevention and mental health support, and develop recommendations for policy and practice.

Supervised by Dr Christopher Poyner (Senior Research Fellow, THRIVE Programme, Rural Mental Health Research Unit), Dr Molly Miley (Research Fellow, THRIVE Programme), and Dr Maria Michail (Associate Professor, University of Birmingham), the successful applicant will collaborate with local stakeholders and individuals with lived experience. The research will involve a scoping literature review, stakeholder consultation, mapping help-seeking journeys, qualitative research, and policy analysis. The project aligns with the THRIVE People and Community Involvement and Engagement Strategy, emphasizing co-production and community engagement.

The studentship is offered for four years, including a tax-free bursary of £20,407 for three years, a fee-waiver for four years, a project budget, laptop and IT equipment, and access to Doctoral School facilities. The student will be expected to participate actively in the Doctoral School and School of Health and Wellbeing, with opportunities for teaching experience under supervision.

Applicants should have a Masters in Health Care or equivalent professional experience, and a First or Upper Second Honours Degree. The University welcomes applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work-related experience, supporting widening participation. The closing date for applications is 8 May 2026. For further information or informal discussion, contact Dr Chris Poyner at [email protected].

To apply, visit the project webpage and click ‘apply now’ next to the project. The research areas include data analysis, medical statistics, health psychology, and public health. References supporting the project’s context and aims are provided, highlighting the importance of addressing suicidality and mental health support in rural bereavement.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?