A transformative doctoral opportunity is now available through the ESRC SENSS Collaborative Studentship, jointly offered by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and King’s Trust International (KTI). This fully funded PhD project invites outstanding applicants passionate about youth development, social impact, and rigorous evaluation research to explore one of the most pressing challenges in Barbados: improving long-term outcomes for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people.
About the Project
Project: Youth, Trust, and Transformation: The Long-Term Impact of Police-Led Support for NEET Young People in Barbados
King’s Trust International works across 19 countries supporting young people to learn, earn and thrive. In partnership with UEA, this doctoral project will generate robust evidence on the long-term impact of their youth programmes in Barbados—specifically those involving police-led support initiatives.
This unique collaboration provides the opportunity to contribute research that can directly influence international policy and investment in youth development.
What the PhD Researcher Will Do
As the doctoral researcher, you will:
- Lead a randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing programme outcomes (with potential travel to Barbados).
- Use quasi-experimental evaluation methods to measure long-term impacts.
- Analyse key outcome areas, including:
- Employment, education, and training status
- Criminal activity
- Mental and physical health
- Work directly with a major global youth organisation, gaining first-hand experience in applied impact evaluation.
- Disseminate findings and contribute to KTI’s global impact strategy.
This project is ideal for those seeking to combine rigorous research with meaningful real-world influence.
Training & Support
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive interdisciplinary training, including:
- Programme evaluation & econometric methods
- Youth-engagement and applied fieldwork training
- A co-designed 3-month integrated placement with King’s Trust International
- Close supervision from leading UEA academics and KTI’s Head of Impact
This is an exceptional opportunity to develop high-level research skills while contributing to policy-shaping evidence for youth development programmes.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Public Policy, International Development).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
- Prior research experience
- Knowledge of the Caribbean context and/or youth development
Funding & Eligibility
- Fully funded ESRC studentship (fees + stipend)
- Annual stipend:
- £20,780 per year (standard rate)
- £22,780 with London weighting (where applicable)
- Open to Home and International applicants
- Available on a full-time or part-time basis
How to Apply
All applicants must apply through the SENSS collaborative studentship portal:
Apply here
Application Deadline:
🕛 12:00 GMT, Monday 16 February 2026
(No extensions permitted)
