PhD Studentship in the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC): North East and North Cumbria (NENC): Creating Safe Spaces to Support Neurodivergent Parents’ Perinatal Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing
Overview
Newcastle University is offering a PhD studentship within the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria on creating safe spaces to support the perinatal mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of neurodivergent parents. Neurodivergent parents and parents-to-be, including people who are autistic or have ADHD or dyslexia, face an elevated risk of perinatal mental illness, which is the most common complication of pregnancy, yet little research exists on prevention and early support for them.
The project will examine neurodivergent parents' experiences of perinatal mental illness and of getting treatment or support, and will co-produce family-friendly support that enables prevention and early intervention. It uses intersectionality-informed participatory research for intervention development and early evaluation, tailored to specific neurodivergent groups. The student will choose suitable methods, which could be interviews, ethnography, creative methods such as photovoice, or quantitative approaches such as early economic analysis.
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. Applicants interested in co-production or participatory action research are 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 ARC5. A research proposal is not required, and one application is needed per studentship.
Key dates
The closing date is 20 October 2026.