PhD Studentship in the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC): North East and North Cumbria (NENC): Community Approaches to Addressing Preventable Mortality in the Immediate Post Prison Release Window

Overview

Newcastle University is offering a PhD studentship within the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria on community approaches to preventing deaths in the period immediately after release from prison. In the first seven days after release, people face a heightened risk of preventable death, often through suicide or substance use. Prison can improve access to substance use treatment and health care, but it can also worsen existing health problems, and any gains are lost if support does not continue on release. Referrals and medication have not been enough to bring death rates down, so community-based approaches rooted in harm reduction, which address factors such as employment, housing, social care and education, are likely to be needed.

The PhD will be a mixed-methods study of the immediate post-release window, looking at the individual, organisational and system-level factors that shape health outcomes. The student can help shape the programme, which could include secondary analysis of datasets alongside primary data collection, and will work across two ARC themes: health inequalities in the criminal justice system, and care for people with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges.

What you get

The award pays 100 percent of home tuition fees and an annual stipend of 21,805 GBP (the 2026 to 27 UKRI rate), with additional funding for research costs and travel. There is one award, starting in January 2027, lasting 3.5 years including an 8-week placement. Part-time options are available on request.

Who can apply

Applicants need at least an upper second-class honours bachelor's degree and a master's degree in a relevant social or health sciences subject, or equivalent professional experience, plus an interest in or experience of health and social care research. Mixed-methods expertise with an understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods is encouraged. The studentship is open only to applicants with Home fee status, meaning UK applicants and EU applicants with pre-settled or settled status who meet the residency criteria.

How to apply

Applications go through the university's online application portal for the full-time PhD in Population Health Sciences with a January 2027 start, quoting the reference ARC1. A research proposal is not required, and one application is needed per studentship.

Key dates

The closing date is 26 October 2026.