UKRI

Sheffield Hallam University invites applications for a fully funded PhD Scholarship in the Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness (C4), commencing 1 October 2026. This unique opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about building strong, cohesive, and resilient communities, and who are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion through innovative research methods. The project, titled AI-Driven Approaches to Understanding Loneliness Across the Life Course and Communities, focuses on using advanced quantitative methods and artificial intelligence to investigate the drivers of loneliness in diverse communities across the UK.

The Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness (C4) is a major initiative funded by UKRI, bringing together academic, community, and policy partners to co-design and co-deliver impactful research. The Centre operates through five community catapults, engaging researchers, citizens, and policymakers to generate evidence on effective strategies for participation and social connectedness in various social, economic, and cultural contexts. As a PhD student, you will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community and benefit from the ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Andrea Wigfield, a leading expert in the field, with additional support from the wider project team depending on the research focus. The PhD will employ rigorous machine learning analysis of survey and text data to provide nuanced insights into loneliness, aiming to inform evidence-based policy and intervention development.

Funding: The scholarship covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of £21,393 (2025/6 rate) for three and a half years (pro-rata part-time). Only one bursary is available, awarded to the strongest candidate.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 minimum) and/or a relevant master’s qualification (merit minimum). International students must demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, no component below 6.5, or equivalent), unless exempt. Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University during the scholarship period.

Application Process: Submit a complete online application form for the October 2026 intake, including a research proposal (max 1,500 words), a personal statement addressing four specific questions, academic transcripts, references, and proof of English proficiency. The deadline for applications is 17:00 (GMT+1) on 1st May 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Interviews will be held in-person in May or June 2026.

For further information or queries, contact Professor Andrea Wigfield at [email protected] or the Doctoral School at [email protected].

For more details and to apply, visit the official FindAPhD listing.