PhD Studentship: Transdiagnostic Mental Health Interventions for Adversity Affected Youth

Overview

The Psychology department at the University of Bath is offering a PhD studentship on transdiagnostic mental health interventions for adversity-affected youth. Young people exposed to adversity are at risk of a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and conduct-related problems, so adversity is a transdiagnostic risk factor. Interventions that target shared underlying processes, such as dysregulated emotions and negative self-beliefs, could therefore be appropriate, yet they remain little explored. Many adversity-affected young people are supported by third-sector organisations such as charities, where mental health provision varies widely and focused intervention elements could be especially valuable.

The project will explore embedding core transdiagnostic intervention components into this provision, strengthening a key source of support. Its objectives are to determine which processes should be the targets of transdiagnostic interventions for trauma-affected youth, and whether and how these processes can be addressed through third-sector organisations that routinely support this group. The PhD is embedded within the NIHR Mental Health Research Group at the University of Bath, a large team focused on mental health in people under 25.

Who can apply

The studentships are open to both Home and International students. International applicants should note that the funding does not cover the cost of a student visa, the healthcare surcharge or other costs of moving to the UK.

What you get

The studentship pays £21,805 per year, with up to £2,000 a year for research costs and training and £300 a year for travel or conference attendance, plus flexible funding of up to £5,000 for high-cost research or external training. Full tuition fees at the UK/Home rate are covered for four years.

Key dates

The closing date is 21 October 2026.