PhD Studentship in Military Mental Health and Treatment Guidance
Develop evidence-based triage and treatment guidance for military personnel facing deployment-related psychological distress.
Best for:Best for psychology or health science graduates with an interest in military mental health and clinical research.
Overview
King's College London is seeking a PhD candidate to conduct research on mental health assessment and triage for military personnel during large-scale combat operations. Funded by the Ministry of Defence, the project primarily investigates how to distinguish between personnel requiring early intervention and those needing long-term care pathways. The successful candidate will employ a knowledge mobilisation framework involving a scoping review, qualitative interviews with clinicians, and a Delphi consensus study. The position provides comprehensive research training and the opportunity to participate in graduate teaching.
What you'll do
- Conduct a scoping review of best practices to reduce psychological distress in military personnel across pre-, during, and post-deployment phases.
- Execute qualitative interviews with clinical specialists regarding decision-making processes for mental health casualties in combat zones.
- Lead a Delphi consensus study to formulate practical treatment guidance for clinicians handling combat-related psychological distress.
- Manage project timelines, data collection, and independent research tasks effectively.
- Collaborate with academic supervisors and contribute to the broader large-scale combat operations research project.
- Engage in academic writing and disseminate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.
Requirements
Degree required: 2:1 honours bachelor's degree in epidemiology, psychology, or a related health field (or Overseas equivalent); a 2:2 degree may be considered if accompanied by a master's with a Merit or above.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: Not strictly required, but peer-reviewed publication experience is a desirable qualification.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Strong time management and personal organisational skills with a track record of meeting deadlines
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated interest in the Armed Forces community and an understanding of military culture and mental health
- Open to applicants meeting the academic degree requirements for UK and international doctoral admissions.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08 (Europe/London)
Applicants must submit their application through the King's College London admissions portal. Select the Psychological Medicine Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time) programme, tick box 5 in the Funding section, and include the reference CW-KCMHR-LSCO-26.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
Contact
Charlotte Williamson· Project Contact
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