PhD Studentship in the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC): North East and North Cumbria (NENC): Community Approaches to Addressing Preventable Mortality in the Immediate Post Prison Release Window

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £21,805 (2026 – 27 UKRI rate). Additional funding provided for research costs and travel.

Overview

During the first seven days following release from prison, individuals are at heightened risk from preventable mortality, often due to suicide and/or substance use.

Whilst the prison setting may provide opportunities to improve access to substance use treatment and other health-care services, it can also exacerbate existing poor mental and physical health. Moreover, any benefits of healthcare accrued during prison are lost if continued support is not available on release. Despite efforts to improve this important transition period, through referrals, alongside pharmacological interventions, the sustained high death rates suggest they are not sufficiently effective. Community-based approaches are likely required, which are embedded in harm-reduction, and address the social determinants of health, such as access to employment, housing, social care and education. 

This PhD will comprise a mixed-methods exploration of the immediate post-release window to better understand the individual, organisation and system level factors shaping health outcomes. The applicant will have an opportunity to shape the programme of work, which could include secondary analysis of datasets alongside primary data collection. The PhD provides an opportunity to work across two ARC themes around health inequalities in the criminal justice system and improving care for people with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges.

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. Please contact us for part-time options.

Sponsor: NIHR ARC: NENC

Supervisors

Amy O’Donnell
Katherine Jackson
Steph Scott

Eligibility criteria

We encourage students with mixed methods expertise to apply, with an understanding/experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

You will need at least an upper second-class honours bachelors degree, a masters degree (in a relevant social/health sciences subject) or equivalent professional experience and an interest/experience in health and social care research.

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

Please apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

In ‘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’, blank in ‘Research Area’.

Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Population Health Sciences (FT)’, and click ‘Save selection.’

Either upload a document or write into the ‘Personal Statement’ section.

Put code ‘ARC1’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, stating how your interests/experience relate to the project.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details

Professor Amy O'Donnell
Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University
Email: Amy.odonnell@newcastle.ac.uk

For technical queries about submitting your application via the Apply to Newcastle Portal, please use our FAQs