PhD studentship in Public Health: Exploring how local economic development is influencing the obesogenic environment

Are you interested in understanding how the levelling up agenda is shaping the food and physical activity environment? A large number of local authorities have received funding from central government to invest in their local areas. Different types of projects have been funded, including those supporting the growth of local businesses and regenerating town centres.

The overall aim of this PhD is to explore how local economic development strategies are affecting the determinants of obesity, such as diet and physical activity. The student will aim to characterise the changes in the food and/or physical activity environment that have occurred as a result of town centre regeneration, analyse the impact on inequalities in diet or physical activity and explore some of the decision making processes at the local-government level. Although the student will be able to shape the project, we anticipate conducting a systematic review, secondary analysis of an existing dataset and interviewing relevant stakeholders. A budget is available for training.

You will develop expertise in how local governments are impacting the healthiness of our urban environments. You will have the opportunity to join and learn from the incredibly strong public health and urban development networks that are based in Newcastle University and the north east of England.

Award Summary

• 100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £19,237 (from 24/25) Significant additional funding given for training and conference attendance. International candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home fees and international fees.

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: September 2024

Award Duration: 3 years

Application Closing Date: 29th April 2024

Sponsor: Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) scheme

Supervisors

• Dr Prachi Bhatnagar, Population Heath Sciences Institute, Newcastle University. Staff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)

• Dr Viviana Albani, Population Heath Sciences Institute, Newcastle University. Staff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)

How To Apply

You must register and apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Once registered select ‘Create Application’ then ‘Postgraduate’  

Fill in your personal information and click on ‘Save & Next’  

Use ‘Search Course’ to identify your programme of study:  

• Select 2024 as the Year of Entry for a Sept 2024 start  
• Type of Study:  Select ‘Postgraduate Research’  
• Mode of Study: ‘Full Time’  
• Year of Study: Select ‘2024’  
• Course Title / Course Code: Select ‘8370F’  
• Research Area: Leave Blank  
• Click Search and select ‘PhD Population Health Sciences (FT)’

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (mandatory) - upload or write directly in the application form  
• The studentship code PH044 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert - you do not need to upload a research proposal.

In addition, before you submit your application you will need to upload the following supporting documentation:  

• Covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code PH044 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project (750 words max.)  
• Degree transcripts and certificated.    I- f English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification, if already completed.

Contact Details: prachi.bhatnagar@newcastle.ac.uk

• 2:1 minimum in a relevant subject area
• Preferable to have training in social research methods, through a masters or experience
• Interest in or experience of quantitative data analysis
• Interest in or experience of qualitative research
• Interest in research on improving environments to support healthy diets and physical activity levels
• Interest in reducing health inequalities
• Interest or experience in working with local authorities