The Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) at The Open University is inviting applications for fully funded PhD studentships linked to the Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD). These opportunities are ideal for candidates passionate about advancing social justice, global development, wellbeing, and inclusive innovation.
Available PhD Opportunities
1. Depictions of Poverty and Welfare
This project explores how poverty is represented, understood, and communicated across different contexts, media, and social platforms. It investigates the role of stigma, narratives, and public attitudes in shaping perceptions of people living in poverty and using welfare services.
Key focus areas:
-
Experiences of people living in poverty
-
Attitudes of service providers and the general public
-
Media and political narratives and their impact on policy and practice
TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY CLICK HERE
FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE
2. FACT-PA: Facilitating Physical Activity for People with Long-Term Health Conditions
This interdisciplinary project investigates the barriers and enablers to physical activity among people living with chronic health conditions, including transplant recipients. The research uses a combination of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), social network analysis, and qualitative interviews, with potential for innovative methodologies proposed by the doctoral researcher.
Key focus areas:
-
Physical and mental wellbeing of people with chronic illness
-
Influence of social networks on health behaviors
-
Translating findings into policy and practice
TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY CLICK HERE
FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE
3. Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (GUDTP)
Applicants may also apply through the GUDTP, an ESRC-funded collaboration between The Open University, University of Oxford, and Brunel University London. This pathway provides additional interdisciplinary training, research placements, and professional development opportunities.
TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY CLICK HERE
FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE
Why Apply?
PhD studentships at WELS offer:
-
Fully funded doctoral study
-
World-class supervision from leading scholars
-
Access to a vibrant interdisciplinary research community
-
Specialist methodological and professional development
-
Opportunities for placements, collaboration, and impact-driven research
If you are passionate about addressing real-world challenges in global development, social justice, health, or wellbeing, these PhD opportunities offer a unique chance to contribute to impactful research.
