Addiction Healthcare Goals PhD Studentships

Addiction Healthcare Goals PhD Studentships

Society for the Study of Addiction – New funding opportunity from the Society for the Study of Addiction and UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences

Qualification Type: Academic and clinical PhDs

Location: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales

Funding amount: Stipend/salary, tuition fees, research and training costs

Hours: Full time (three years) or part time

Apply by: 30 July 2026

Applications are now open for PhD studentships through the Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme.

This programme – funded by the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences and delivered by the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA) – aims to drive innovative responses to addiction to illicit drugs and alcohol.

There are two routes to doing a PhD through the flagship research leadership programme: the traditional academic route, involving doctoral research within a university; and the clinical route, involving doctoral research combined with ongoing professional practice. Clinical PhDs would be suited to people who work in registered professions, such as nurses, midwives, pharmacists, doctors, and dentists.

Academic studentships include:

• a stipend of £20,780 (£22,780 with London weighting), in line with UKRI levels for 2025/26
• up to £5,006 towards tuition fees
• up to £5,000 for research and training costs across the course of the PhD

Clinical studentships include:

• full salary costs
• ongoing clinical work for up to 20% of your PhD
• up to £5,006 towards tuition fees
• up to £5,000 for research and training costs across the course of the PhD

Why choose the SSA as a funder?

The SSA leads a vibrant community of people who are committed to advancing the scientific understanding of addiction, and the use of this knowledge in policy and practice. Its staff and trustees are dedicated to offering the best learning experience and take an active interest in the wellbeing and future of PhD students. Successful applicants will be given regular opportunities to advance their leadership and science communication skills – ensuring that they are on a pathway to becoming a leader in addiction science.

Apply now via the 'Apply' button above.