PhD Studentship: Investigating the Social Determinants of Suicide Among Young People in the UK: A Mixed Methods Study

University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

We are now inviting applications for an ESRC Strategic Joint Studentship between the University of Birmingham (where the student will be registered) and the University of Nottinghamto commence in October 2024.

Youth suicide is a global public health concern. Many of the determinants of suicide lie at the heart of social adversity, such as poverty, bullying, unemployment, and intergenerational trauma. However, our current understanding of the social influences of suicide among young people is limited and fragmented. Understanding the interplay between social determinants and individual risk factors (e.g., gender identity, mental illness, family history of suicide) and how this interplay impacts suicide and suicidal behaviour among young people is necessary to informing the development of evidence-based interventions and policy that can address social inequalities and prevent youth suicide at a population level.

This PhD will adopt an explanatory mixed methods design combining big data and qualitative approaches to address two objectives:

This PhD will build capacity in managing, analysing, and interpreting large datasets using advanced quantitative methods (e.g. complex statistical modelling). The PhD will also facilitate the development of qualitative skills including conducting interviews, coding, categorising, and conceptualising qualitative data.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the strategic Joint Studentship application form available online here . Please upload an anonymised CV and cover letter as part of the online application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references.

Application deadline: Tuesday 20 February 2024

Interviews will be held March 8, 2024

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/ .

Informal enquiries about the research or the School of Psychologyprior to application can be directed to Dr Maria Michail [email protected] .