Publisher
source

University of Exeter

PhD Studentship: Not Enough Money for Food and Struggling to Eat: Understanding the Connection Between Food Insecurity and Disordered Eating University of Exeter in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Sociology

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Exeter

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Keywords

Sociology
Psychology
Nutrition
Medical Science
Salud Pública
Food Insecurity
Cohort Study
Lived Experience
Co-production
Eating Disorder

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About this position

[Four-year MRC-funded studentship with UK tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated each year), and up to £5,000 per annum for research training and support costs.]

The University of Exeter is advertising a PhD studentship within the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, funded by the MRC. The project is titled Not Enough Money for Food and Struggling to Eat: Understanding the Connection Between Food Insecurity and Disordered Eating and will start in October 2027.

This is a four-year studentship that provides UK tuition fees, a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum, and additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year. The post is open to UK and International students and is one of up to 18 studentships available across the GW4 BioMed3 partnership, so applicants should note that the project is in competition with the other studentships in the programme.

The research addresses an important gap in understanding the relationship between food insecurity and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is an eating disorder characterised by avoidance of foods due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or low interest in eating. Food insecurity refers to unreliable access to safe and nutritious food and is linked to poorer health outcomes and other eating disorders, but its relationship with ARFID remains unknown.

The project will use large cohort datasets, interviews with people with lived experience and carers, and co-production of practical resources. The aim is to improve support for a poorly understood and underserved group, making this an excellent opportunity for a student interested in eating disorders, public health, qualitative and quantitative research, and translational impact.

Funding details stated in the advert include a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated annually, plus UK/Home tuition fees and research support costs. The deadline for applications is 21 October 2026.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Available to UK and International students. No additional academic entry requirements are stated in the posting beyond the studentship being part of the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme.

How to apply

Apply through the University of Exeter funding page linked in the advert. Submit your application before 21 October 2026. Review the project competition details, as this studentship is one of 18 across the GW4 BioMed3 partnership.

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