PhD Studentship: Loneliness, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Policing – Examining Rates, Associations and Experiences of UK Police Investigators University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

[Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Up to 30% of international applicants can be recruited each year due to UKRI funding stipulations.]

The University of Birmingham, through the Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB), is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and West Midlands Police. This doctoral project, commencing in October 2026, will investigate the rates and experiences of loneliness among UK Police Investigators, exploring its associations with mental health, wellbeing, and workplace performance outcomes.

Loneliness is recognized as a significant public health concern, linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes. Despite its importance, a recent systematic review highlighted a lack of research on loneliness in high-risk occupations such as policing. Police Investigators in the UK play a crucial role in investigating crimes and building cases for prosecution, often working long hours in isolated settings and being exposed to distressing materials—factors that may exacerbate loneliness and its effects.

This mixed methods PhD will involve conducting a systematic review, in-depth interviews, and quantitative surveys with Police Investigators to examine the manifestation of loneliness and its impact on health and wellbeing. The findings will inform recommendations and interventions to support police professionals. The student will benefit from close collaboration with NPCC and West Midlands Police, including a placement with these partner organizations.

Supervision will be provided by Dr Marie-Louise Sharp, whose research focuses on the health and wellbeing of individuals in high-risk occupations, and Professor Jessica Woodhams, an expert in police mental health and trauma. The project is ideal for candidates with a strong academic background (1st class or 2:1 degree) in psychology, epidemiology, psychiatric research, or social sciences. An MSc is desirable but not essential. Applicants should have experience or interest in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, participant recruitment, research ethics, and using research software such as Stata or NVivo. Experience working with trauma-affected individuals and an interest in police wellbeing are advantageous.

The Centre-UB studentship covers full tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, research training support, and research activity grants. Up to 30% of international applicants can be recruited each year, in line with UKRI funding stipulations. The application deadline is February 17, 2026, with interviews scheduled for March 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the Centre-UB application page. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Marie-Louise Sharp at [email protected].