PhD Studentship NIHR ARC NENC: Understanding Cardiovascular Risk Communication and Preventative Care in Women with Female-specific Cardiovascular Risk Factors; a Sequential Mixed-methods Study

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

The World Health Organisation states that the biggest cause of death and poor health in women is cardiovascular disease. Previous research has found that women are often underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, often not heard, and not provided adequate diagnosis and medication management. Previous research has shown that factors (that affect both males and females) such as smoking, poor diet, obesity and high levels of stress can increase the chance of cardiovascular disease. There are also risk factors that are female specific including PMOS (formally known as PCOS); hormonal contraception; gestational hypertension; menopause; and hormonal replacement therapy. Women often underestimate the risk of cardiovascular disease, with previous research finding that women do not perceive it a risk, or they underestimate it being a risk; they struggle to adhere to treatment guidelines and have had poor healthcare professional interactions. The Renewed Women’s Health Strategy (2026) has set a focus on cardiovascular disease risk management and care, and later this year will publish a service framework and the NENC Integrated Care Board (ICB) highlighted this area a priority in their regional women’s health strategy.

This PhD will explore women’s awareness of female-specific risks of cardiovascular disease, experiences and understanding of cardiovascular risk communication and preventative care in women with female-specific cardiovascular risk factors.

All students will have the opportunity to undertake an 8-week placement.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: January 2027

Award duration: 3.5 years including placement. Part-time options available, please get in touch.  

Sponsor: NIHR ARC: NENC

Supervisors:

Judith Rankin
Kerry Brennan-Tovey

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must have an understanding of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Educated to masters level in a health related topic (i.e., public health).

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

You must 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 ‘ARC3’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

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

Contact Details

Professor Judith Rankin
Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University
Email: judith.rankin@newcastle.ac.uk

If you have any technical queries about submitting your application via the Apply to Newcastle Portal, please use our FAQs