PhD Studentship: Improving Clinical Services for Youth with Disruptive Behaviour Disorders
A fully funded PhD studentship investigating mental health service provision and outcomes for youth with disruptive behaviour disorders.
Best for:Best for psychology or health science graduates interested in mental health policy, service evaluation, and quantitative research.
Overview
This PhD project, hosted by the University of Bath's NIHR Mental Health Research Group, aims to map and improve clinical service provision for children and young people with disruptive behaviour disorders. The research involves conducting a nationally representative survey of healthcare professionals, commissioners, and families to identify barriers to care and training needs. Additionally, the student will analyze longitudinal data to evaluate the impact of mental health support on patient wellbeing and health economic outcomes. The project is designed to inform national healthcare policy and clinical commissioning practices. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team with strong links to the universities of Exeter and Bristol.
What you'll do
- Design and conduct a nationally representative survey of NHS clinicians, commissioners, and parents.
- Analyze existing longitudinal cohort data to examine mental health trajectories and treatment outcomes.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies, including vignette-based research on diagnostic practices.
- Identify barriers to service access and training needs for healthcare professionals.
- Synthesize findings to provide recommendations for healthcare commissioning and mental health policy.
- Collaborate with the wider research team across the University of Bath, Exeter, and Bristol.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Psychology, Health Sciences, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency required.
Instruction: English
- Strong background in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis.
- Experience or interest in mental health service research.
- Ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups including clinicians and families.
- Proficiency in academic writing and research communication.
- Open to both Home and International students.
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements for a PhD programme at the University of Bath.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21
Interested candidates should contact the named supervisor to discuss the project. Applications must be submitted through the official MRC GW4 BioMed portal.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Reference letters
Contact
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