PhD Studentship: Developing Digital Physical Activity Interventions to Increase Positive Affective Responses in Adolescents – NIHR Bath Mental Health Research Group Funded PhD University of Exeter in United Kingdom

[UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,482 per year for 3 years full-time. For international students, the award covers only part of the international tuition fee (approx. £26,000) and does not include a stipend for living expenses. International applicants must cover additional costs such as visa fees, health surcharge, and relocation expenses.]

The University of Exeter is offering a funded PhD studentship focused on developing digital physical activity interventions to increase positive affective responses in adolescents. This research opportunity is supported by the NIHR Bath Mental Health Research Group and aims to address the rising prevalence of poor mental health among young people by investigating the relationship between physical activity, affective response, and mental health outcomes. The project will emphasize the unique characteristics of physical activity, as well as the social and environmental contexts that contribute to positive affective responses in adolescents.

A central goal of the PhD is to develop or adapt a digital intervention tool based on research findings, with the intention of implementing it within adolescent populations. The studentship is based in the Department of Public Health and Sport Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, at St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter. The research will be supervised collaboratively across Exeter, Bath, and Bristol universities, with Exeter serving as the home institution.

Funding for eligible students includes coverage of UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,482 for three years full-time. International applicants are welcome to apply; however, the award covers only part of the international tuition fee (approximately £26,000) and does not provide a stipend for living expenses. International students must be prepared to cover additional costs such as student visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, and relocation expenses. Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these requirements before applying.

Entry requirements include a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a related subject. The studentship is particularly well suited to candidates with backgrounds in Sport Science, Psychology, or Public Health. Experience working with children and adolescents is desirable but not essential. The studentship will be awarded based on academic merit. Eligibility for home fees status may be complex, especially for those who have moved to or from the UK or Republic of Ireland within the past three years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Applicants are encouraged to seek advice regarding fee status if necessary.

The application deadline is 31 May 2026, with the studentship expected to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Exeter application portal and review all eligibility and funding details carefully. For further information, applicants may contact the admissions team at the University of Exeter.