Developing digital physical activity interventions to increase positive affective responses in adolescents – NIHR Bath Mental Health Research Group funded PhD

The PhD studentship will explore the impact of physical activity, social and environment context and the relationship with affect:

The prevalence of poor mental health in young people is increasing; an important risk factor for the development of clinical disorders is negative affect and/or the absence of positive affect. Physical activity is proposed as a strategy for increasing positive affect and reducing negative affect in young people. This PhD will explore the relationship between physical activity, affective response and mental health outcomes, focusing on understanding the unique characteristics of Physical activity, alongside the important social and environmental context that lead to positive affective response. A key outcome of the PhD will be the development / adaptation of a digital intervention tool that draws on this knowledge for implementation with an adolescent population.

The candidate should have at least a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a related subject, this studentship may be particularly well suited to those with a Sport Science, Psychology or Public health background. Experience in working with children and adolescents is desirable but not essential.

The PhD is funded by the NIHR Bath Mental Health Research Group and is supervised across Exeter, Bath and Bristol universities, with Exeter being the home institution.

The University of Exeter’s Department of Public health and Sport Science is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by NIHR Bath Mental Health Research Group to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,482 for 3 years full-time. The student would be based in Public health and Sport Science in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at St Luke’s Campus in Exeter.

The studentship will be awarded based on academic merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note the following:

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £26,000.
• It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
  • Student visa fees
  • Immigration Health Surcharge
  • Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Funding Notes

UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,482 per year