Nigel Groome PhD Studentship: Food, Nutrition, and Health in Female Prisoners – Mixed-Methods Assessment Oxford Brookes University in United Kingdom

[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.