PhD Studentship in the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University and Blackpool Council in Burnley

An exciting PhD Studentship fully funded by the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) is available at the Faculty of Health and Medicine (Lancaster University) and Blackpool Council on: Investigating the health impacts of housing regeneration in Blackpool: a framework for evaluation grounded in spatial analysis and lived experience.

Aim of PhD: To capture the potential health impacts of a large housing regeneration project in Blackpool, and produce a framework for evaluation of housing regeneration project using spatial analyses and lived experience.

What the student will do? The student will adopt a mixed-methods design to develop a practical tool for local authorities to assess regeneration outcomes and guide investment decisions. Nationally, the project will contribute to evidence-based policy development by highlighting the health dimensions of housing interventions, supporting integrated approaches to regeneration, public health, and social equity.

Skills and eligibility: We are open to applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds, but preference will be given to candidates with experience in health and/or social care, and in using mixed methods approaches. You will need excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work as part of a team. Essential attributes include being highly motivated, a desire to improve public health and any relevant research experience working with human participants is desirable. Applicants should hold a 1st class honours degree (undergraduate) (1+3 PhD programme) or a Distinction at Masters level in social science (3 years PhD programme). We expect that most applicants will have an undergraduate + master qualification. The award is available to both Home and International candidates. We particularly welcome applications from groups traditionally under-represented in postgraduate study, and especially from those communities that often have been marginalised. Lancaster University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. If English is not your first language, you must fulfil Lancaster University English Language criteria before the start of your studies.

Salary and additional benefits: A three year fully funded PhD studentship (there is an opportunity for master’s + PhD within a fully funded four year programme if the student does not already have a social science master’s qualification), which includes at standard UKRI home rate, plus UKRI standard stipend (with an additional £2000 to be added to their salary in each of the first two years of study), research costs, equipment and dissemination costs.

Selection process: Please send: CV not exceeding three pages, font 12 and standard margins. In your CV, please include your overall degree classifications to date, any relevant research experience, and details of two academic references. Supporting letter not exceeding two pages, font 12 and standard margins. Support letter should detail how your interests and experience relate to the project. An up-to-date copy of the degree courses you have studied including marks awarded (for non-UK qualification transcripts not in English, an official translation must be provided) and a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to Dr Luigi Sedda and the epidemiology contact by Thursday 12th March. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams later in March.

Start date: 1st October 2026

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Luigi Sedda (Lancaster University) and/or Dr. Sarah Blagden (Blackpool Council). For full information please check this link.