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

[Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, and research activity support grants. Up to 30% of international applicants can be funded per UKRI stipulations.]

The University of Birmingham, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and the Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB), is offering a fully funded PhD studentship titled BETW33N: Towards Equitable Digital Wellbeing. This doctoral project aims to co-develop and evaluate a digital tool designed to improve mental wellbeing among adolescents aged 12–15 in Worcestershire County. The initiative addresses pressing local priorities such as mental wellbeing, loneliness, and social isolation, with a strong 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 that provides psychoeducation and signposting, integrated with social prescribing and community connector models. The research will explore how digital interventions can be implemented safely and equitably, ensuring they do not exacerbate existing health inequalities. The project leverages WCC’s Living Well and Loneliness and Social Isolation initiatives, providing a robust platform for co-design, recruitment, and data collection, and enabling the development of scalable, real-world solutions.

The research will employ mixed methods, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and offers significant opportunities for applied, participatory, and policy-relevant research. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team: Dr Julia Gauly, Dr Marco Bardus, Professor Victoria Goodyear, and Dr Lisa McNally, who bring expertise in behavioural sciences, public health, and digital wellbeing.

Funding: The Centre-UB studentship covers full tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, and research activity support grants. Up to 30% of international applicants can be funded per UKRI stipulations.

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, or mixed methods research, and/or work or research experience in mental health, is desirable.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted by February 17, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on March 16 and 17, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the Centre-UB application page. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Julia Gauly at [email protected].