This funded PhD project will examine how intergenerational injustice affects young people’s mental health through a mixed methods approach, with theme: “The Impact of Intergenerational Injustice on Young People’s Mental Health: A Mixed Methods Study”
Institution: University of Bristol, School of Psychological Science
Supervisor: Dr Gerald Jordan
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Start Date: September 2026
Application Deadline: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Funding Type: Competition Funded PhD (Graduate Teaching Assistant Scholarship)
Eligibility: Open to UK and International applicants
Research Areas: Health Psychology, Nursing & Health, Psychology
The research will:
- Use pre-existing datasets to analyse how precarious housing, financial, and employment conditions impact young people’s mental health.
- Identify the personal and social resources young people draw upon to mitigate these inequities.
- Develop a practical toolkit for stakeholders such as educators and clinicians to promote critical consciousness around intergenerational injustice and mental health.
The project sits at the intersection of psychology, public health, and social inequality, offering strong potential for academic impact and applied outcomes.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Scholarship
The University of Bristol is recruiting Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD students to undertake world-leading research while gaining structured teaching experience. Successful candidates will:
- Conduct doctoral research within the School of Psychological Science
- Deliver up to 250 hours of teaching per year in the relevant subject area
- Receive comprehensive training and professional development support through the School and the Bristol Doctoral College
This integrated research–teaching model is designed to support both academic excellence and long-term employability.
Funding Details
Each GTA Scholarship is funded for four years and includes:
- Full PhD tuition fees at the Home/EU rate
- Doctoral stipend and part-time teaching salary (combined total currently £22,841 per year, updated annually)
- £1,000 per year in research support costs
International candidates (including EU applicants) are fully funded but must cover visa-related costs, healthcare surcharge, and relocation expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold (or expect to hold) a First Class or strong Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree
- Preferably hold a Master’s degree with Distinction or Merit (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and teaching experience or potential
Selection will be based on academic merit, research fit, and alignment with teaching needs, assessed through application materials and interview.
Application Requirements
Applicants must apply through the University of Bristol portal:
- Visit Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
- Search for and select Psychology (PhD)
- Apply for a September 2026 start
As part of the application, candidates must upload:
- An example of recent academic writing (e.g. publication or dissertation)
- All standard doctoral application materials
Application deadline: 31 January 2026
Information for International Applicants
- Proof of the right to work in the UK is required for the teaching contract
- Tier 4 visa holders may work a maximum of 20 hours per week, including GTA teaching
- Stipend and fee waiver may be used for visa applications; teaching income cannot
- Visa-related enquiries: student-visa-advice@bristol.ac.uk
Enquiries
For project-specific questions, please contact:
Dr Gerald Jordan
Email: gerald.jordan@bristol.ac.uk
This fully funded PhD at the University of Bristol offers an opportunity to research the mental health impacts of intergenerational injustice while gaining structured teaching experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Open to UK and international applicants, the programme combines world-class research training, professional development, and competitive financial support, making it an excellent pathway for those interested in academic, clinical, or policy-oriented careers in psychology and mental health.
For more opportunities, click here.
