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Collaboratory Research Hub PhD Studentship
2027 PhD Studentship in Community-Based Exercise and Social Prescribing to Tackle Local Health Inequalities Nottingham Trent University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sports Science
Funding
Available
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Nottingham
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About this position
PhD Studentship: Community-Based Exercise and Social Prescribing
Nottingham Trent University is offering a 2027 PhD project examining how community-based exercise and social prescribing can tackle health inequalities in Clifton and Mansfield, England. The research is part of the Collaboratory Research Hub and will build on the university’s Sport and Wellbeing Academy (SAWA), a free NHS-linked 12-week programme supporting physical activity, physical function, confidence, wellbeing, independence, and social connection.
The successful candidate will evaluate delivery in community leisure facilities and compare it with the existing university-based programme. The study will recruit 240 NHS-referred social prescribing participants across two demographically distinct sites. Outcomes will include physical function, cardiometabolic health markers, psychological wellbeing, social connectedness, self-management, confidence, anxiety, adherence, attendance, engagement, and programme completion. Assessments will take place at baseline, programme completion, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups.
The project will also use qualitative interviews with participants, NHS link workers, GPs, and delivery partners to identify barriers and facilitators to engagement, implementation, and integration into local social prescribing pathways. It will examine how university, NHS, local authority, and community organisations can sustain accessible preventive health support and potentially reduce future demand on health and social care services.
Supervision is provided by Angus Hunter and Luke Gilbert at Nottingham Trent University, Nicola Fisher at the University of Nottingham, and Claudia Russell at Nottingham City Council. The candidate will be enrolled at Nottingham Trent University.
Applicants should consult the official NTU project page for eligibility criteria, funding details, and application instructions.
Funding details
Available
How to apply
Review the project details and apply through Nottingham Trent University using the official PhD opportunity page.
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