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PhD Studentship in the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC): North East and North Cumbria (NENC): Researching Equity, Access and Place-based-health: Community-based Diagnostics

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PhD Studentship in the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC): North East and North Cumbria (NENC): Researching Equity, Access and Place-based-health: Community-based Diagnostics

Newcastle University logoNewcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Deadline: 20 October 2026
Posted: Oct 3, 2026

NL Highlights

Investigate the impact of Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) on reducing health inequalities and supporting accessible, community-based care.
Utilise mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) to explore service user and staff perspectives and to analyse associations between CDC access and health outcomes.
Engage in knowledge mobilisation activities to disseminate findings locally and regionally, working closely with external partners and public contributors.

Details

Reference

ARC2

Salary & Funding

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £21,805 (2026 – 27 UKRI rate). Significant additional funding given to cover research costs and travel.

Duration

3.5 years including placement

Contact Info

Dr Anna Robinson-Barell, Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University, Anna.robinson-barella@newcastle.ac.uk

Eligibility

Some existing knowledge of, and/or skills in, mixed methods (or qualitative and/or quantitative) research.
Educated to masters level in a health-related topic (i.e., public health).
Home fee status (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

Next Steps

1
Apply through the 'Apply to Newcastle Portal'.
2
Search for 'Postgraduate Research', 'Full Time', '2026' for Year of Entry, 'January' for Month of Entry, code '8370F' for Course Title.
3
Select 'PhD Population Health Sciences (FT)'.
4
In the 'Personal Statement' section, put code 'ARC2' in 'Studentship/Partnership Reference'.

Opportunity Overview

Award Summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of 21,805 (2026 27 UKRI rate). Significant additional funding given to cover research costs and travel.

Overview

This project will investigate equity, access and place-based-health, through a lens of enquiry around Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) to understand their impact in reducing health inequalities and supporting accessible, community-based care.

The project will be based in the North East of England and will explore CDC impact on individual and community-based levels. The researcher will utilise mixed methods to explore: (i) perspectives and impact of the CDCs for service users and healthcare staff (qualitative), as well as advanced statistical methods to explore: (ii) relationships/associations between CDC access and community and place-based health outcomes (quantitative). The work will also involve knowledge mobilisation approaches to share the findings on a local and regional basis.

The researcher will work closely with a supervisory team that includes expertise of health inequalities, service access, equity diversity and inclusion, place-based-health and statistical analysis. Research inclusion will be embedded throughout, mainly through the close collaborative working with external partners (the Great North Healthcare Alliance) and public contributors across the North East of England. The project has been designed to include links to the NIHR Newcastle Patient Safety Research Collaboration and existing patient and public involvement and engagement groups so that the work is designed, conducted and disseminated in a way that is accessible and relevant.

All students will undertake an 8-week placement as part of their studies.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

January 2027

Award Duration

3.5 years including placement. Part-time options available, please get in touch.

Application Closing Date

20 October 2026

Sponsor

NIHR ARC: NENC

Supervisors

Anna Robinson-Barella Adam Todd Luke Munford Martin Wilson Clare Bambra

Eligibility Criteria

  • Some existing knowledge of, and/or skills in, mixed methods (or qualitative and/or quantitative) research.
  • Educated to masters level in a health-related topic (i.e., public health).
  • This studentship is only available to applicants with a Home fee status (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

How To Apply

  1. You must apply through the University s Apply to Newcastle Portal.
  2. In the Course choice tab, click Search Course . Put Postgraduate Research in 'Type of Study', Full Time in Mode of Study , 2026 in Year of Entry , January in Month of Entry Intake , code 8370F in Course Title , and leave Research Area blank.
  3. Press Search , select PhD Population Health Sciences (FT) , and click Save selection.
  4. Either upload a document or write into the Personal Statement section.
  5. Put code ARC2 in Studentship/Partnership Reference . When prompted for research proposal, select Write Proposal . Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required.
  6. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
  7. You must submit one application per studentship; you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

Dr Anna Robinson-Barell Population Health Sciences Newcastle University Anna.robinson-barella@newcastle.ac.uk

If you have any technical queries about submitting your application via the Apply to Newcastle Portal, please use our FAQs