At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on child and adolescent mental health through the #BeeWell programme.
- Company: Join Anna Freud, a leading mental health charity dedicated to young people's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive stipend, tuition coverage, and unique wellbeing perks like early finishes on Fridays.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in mental health, experience in quantitative research, and relevant academic background required.
The predicted salary is between 28520 - 31157 £ per year.
Ready to make a difference through research? Apply for our PhD in Evidence Based Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Anna Freud is seeking a PhD Student in Evidence Based Child and Adolescent Mental Health to join our world‑leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Through this funded PhD studentship, you will contribute to research exploring the drivers of young people’s mental health and wellbeing, helping to generate evidence that informs meaningful change. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families.
Our EDI commitment
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and being an equal opportunities employer, whereby equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our recruitment practices. All candidates who meet the job criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities and care experience. We ask candidates to share their diversity dimensions with us to help us identify, tackle and prevent bias across the employee lifecycle. We believe a diverse workforce enhances our ability to support mental health and wellbeing, allowing us to better meet the needs of the children, young people and families we serve. As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates meeting our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed using a fair evaluation process based on the criteria set out in our job profiles.
What we offer
We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all‑in‑one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff‑led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.
What you’ll do
- This funded PhD studentship offers the opportunity to undertake impactful research into the factors that influence young people’s mental health and wellbeing through the #BeeWell programme combining advanced quantitative analysis with collaborative, real‑world research that helps drive positive change for children and young people.
- Conduct research using large‑scale datasets to investigate the drivers of young people’s mental health, wellbeing and health behaviours.
- Develop and deliver a PhD research project aligned to the key research themes of the #BeeWell programme.
- Analyse and interpret complex quantitative data, producing high‑quality research outputs and evidence‑based insights.
- Contribute to the wider delivery of the #BeeWell programme, including supporting planned analyses and engagement activities with schools and project partners.
- Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team while undertaking PhD studies through University College London (UCL) and adhering to Anna Freud’s policies, values and safeguarding responsibilities.
What you’ll bring
We are seeking a motivated and analytically minded researcher with a strong interest in children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The ideal candidate will have a solid academic background, experience of quantitative research methods, and a desire to undertake impactful research that contributes to improving outcomes for young people through the #BeeWell programme.
- An undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline such as social sciences, public health, mental health, or another research‑focused subject.
- A Master’s degree, or equivalent experience working within a research environment.
- Demonstrable interest in children and young people’s mental health, wellbeing, or related areas of research.
- Experience of quantitative research methods, data analysis, and working with complex datasets.
- The ability to develop and communicate a clear research proposal, including research questions, methodology, analysis plans, and the potential impact of findings.
Salary
Annual stipend paid termly by Anna Freud, plus tuition fees at the Home (UK) rate.
- £24,174 year 1
- £24,906 year 2
- £25,657 year 3
Hours
Full‑time
Location
Attendance in person at UCL courses in London will be required. Hybrid working: the PhD students will be able to work at either our London site Anna Freud, 4‑8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH or our Northern Hub Jactin House, 24 Hood Street, Manchester M4 6WX.
Contract type
Three‑year fixed term PhD studentship
Next steps
Closing date for applications: midday (12pm), Monday, 29 June 2026. Please note that due to high application volumes, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply promptly and to keep an eye on our future vacancies for more opportunities. Notification of interview: shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than Wednesday, 01 July 2026. During shortlisting, applicants are anonymously assessed using the criteria visible in the Job Profile. Please note: due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants. Interviews: will be held on Wednesday 8 and Monday 13 July 2026.
How to apply
As part of your application, you will also be required to submit:
- An Expression of Interest outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements of the PhD.
- A Research Proposal addressing the key research themes of the #BeeWell project, which should include:
- A brief introduction
- Proposed methodology
- Proposed analysis
- Potential implications of the findings
Please refer to the full Job Profile for detailed guidance on completing these application requirements. Applicants must also be eligible for entry to the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences PhD programme from September 2026 and qualify for tuition fees at the Home (UK) rate. We encourage candidates to review the #BeeWell programme and its existing research before preparing their application and research proposal.
Questions?
Please email recruitment@annafreud.org with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post‑job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.
Beewell PhD Studentship employer: ANNA FREUD
At Anna Freud, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of child and adolescent mental health through our funded PhD studentship. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and collaboration, providing unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to vital research that drives positive change. With benefits like early finishes on Fridays and access to wellbeing resources, we ensure our employees feel valued and supported in their mission to improve the lives of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Beewell PhD Studentship
✨Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Join local psychology associations or clubs in your area. They often host networking events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working in the field. This is a great way to get insider information and showcase your enthusiasm.
✨Utilise Your University Career Service
Make the most of your university's career services, especially if you're still studying. They often have connections with local clinics and organisations offering trainee roles, so get involved in workshops and career fairs they organise.
✨Start a Psychology Blog or Vlog
Why not channel your passion into a blog or vlog? Share your insights on psychology topics that excite you. This not only builds your visibility but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to the field. Plus, it could attract the attention of potential employers, including ANNA FREUD.
✨Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out Directly
Sometimes, it's all about who you know—or who you can contact! Don't hesitate to reach out directly to organisations you'd love to work with. Introduce yourself, express your interest in trainee roles, and even ask about potential openings. You'd be surprised at the opportunities that can open up just by being proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Beewell PhD Studentship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, your academic achievements matter! Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, your grades, and if you've been involved in any research projects or psychology clubs. All of this shows your dedication and passion for the subject—something that’s crucial for a trainee role at ANNA FREUD.
Share Your Experience with People:Even if you haven’t officially worked in psychology yet, talk about any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs where you've interacted with people. Whether you've done tutoring, counselling, or even community engagement, it’s all relevant! We want to see how you've applied your knowledge in real-life situations.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Express your motivation for wanting to become a psychologist and why you’re excited about working at ANNA FREUD. Focus on what you hope to learn from this trainee position and how it aligns with your career goals in psychology. Let your passion and personal touch come through!
Include Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you’ve got any certifications or have completed online courses relevant to psychology (like mental health first aid or counselling techniques), don’t forget to include them! They can set you apart from other applicants and show your initiative to learn even outside a formal setting. This is particularly important for a trainee role, where eagerness to learn is key.
How to prepare for a job interview at ANNA FREUD
✨Brush Up on Your Psychological Theories
Since you're applying for a trainee position in psychology, it's key to demonstrate your understanding of core psychological theories. Revise the major theories and think about how they'd apply in real-world scenarios, which can pop up during case study questions in the interview.
✨Practice Active Listening Skills
Interviewer might assess your ability to interact with clients or colleagues, so practising active listening is crucial. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend where you practice summarising what they've said, which showcases your ability to engage constructively.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, they’ll be looking for your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your passion for psychology, whether it’s relevant coursework, volunteering, or reading specific books that shaped your interest.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
Psychoethical questions can come up, so think through dilemmas you might face in practice. Familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines in psychology, as being ready to discuss how you'd handle tricky situations can set you apart from other candidates.
