PhD topics for research students

Find below a list of currently available self-funded PhD topics.

We encourage all students to contact the supervisor or the alternative contact person for more information and an informal chat to discuss the process of applying and preparing your research statement. For more information on how to apply click here.

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Description

Supervisor

Funding

Swimming for Change: Open Water Swimming, Environmental Activism, and the Protection of UK Blue Spaces
This proposed PhD explores how open water swimming (OWS) communities in the UK act as catalysts for environmental awareness, local activism and stewardship in response to growing water pollution in r...

Caroline Scarles

Self-Funded

Filtered Blue: Instagram, Open Water Swimming Communities, and the Environmental Impact of Digital Nature Cultures
This proposed PhD explores how social media - particularly Instagram - shapes the culture, visibility and environmental impact of open water swimming (OWS) in the UK. OWS is often linked to wellbeing...

Caroline Scarles

Self-Funded

Fluid Minds: Exploring Inclusive and Accessible Open Water Swimming Spaces for Neurodivergent Wellbeing
This PhD explores how open water swimming (OWS) environments can be designed and run in ways that support inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing for neurodivergent people. Research already shows tha...

Caroline Scarles

Self-Funded

Advancing new therapies for Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA)
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative PhD candidate to work on a collaborative project aimed at the identification of therapies for an inherited neurodegenerative disease, Friedreich’s Ataxi...

Sara Anjomani Virmouni

Self-Funded

Exploring Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA)-Associated Cardiomyopathy
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative PhD candidate to work on a collaborative project aimed at the identification of therapies for an inherited neurodegenerative disease, Friedreich’s Ataxi...

Sara Anjomani Virmouni

Self-Funded

Transforming sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Type 2 diabetes
Project overview This PhD offers the opportunity to lead an innovative programme of research focused on reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing physical activity to prevent and manage Type 2 diab...

Daniel Bailey

Self-Funded

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the management of long-term conditions
The PhD will investigate sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the management of long-term conditions. This may include studying one of the following conditions: Frailty Sarcopenia Multiple sc...

Daniel Bailey

Self-Funded

Exploring artificial intelligence for precision medicine
Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke, remain the leading causes of mortality worldwide and their prevalence continues to rise. These condit...

Raha Pazoki

Self Funded

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping physical activity behaviours and body image
We are seeking applicants for a self-funded PhD examining how artificial intelligence (AI) within digital fitness environments shapes body image and physical activity (PA) behaviours. AI is increasing...

Charlotte Kerner

Self-Funded

GLP-1 weight loss medications and physical activity behaviours
We are seeking applicants for a self-funded interdisciplinary PhD exploring how Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications influence physical activity and exercise behaviours. Since their approval fo...

Charlotte Kerner

Self-Funded