At present, there is minimal research focusing on health and social care and social work with intersex people in the UK. This project will explore professionals’ understandings around what intersex is and the potential needs of this service user group. It will examine what professional practices are currently in place within their settings and what teaching or training they have received.

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Examine health and social care professionals’ understandings of intersex, including how they conceptualise variations in sex characteristics and intersex identities.
2. Explore professionals’ perceptions of the needs, vulnerabilities, and rights of intersex service users within health and social care settings.
3. Identify current practices, organisational pathways, and decision‑making processes used when working with intersex individuals.
4. Investigate the extent and nature of any training, education, or professional development relating to intersex issues.
5. Highlight gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improving inclusive, ethical, and rights‑based practice. The study will develop evidence that can inform policy, workforce training, and professional standards, to better support intersex service users.

This will be a qualitative research project, and we encourage potential applicants to bring their own methodological ideas to the study. It is envisaged that semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups will be undertaken with a wide variety of relevant health and social care professionals.

Issues around epistemic justice must also be considered when conducting this research. Intersex researchers are especially encouraged to apply.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: kate.wood@hud.ac.uk

We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application.

Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility: These scholarships are open to UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.

Location: Huddersfield/Online

Funding: Fee waiver

Duration: 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time

At present, there is minimal research focusing on health and social care and social work with intersex people in the UK. This project will explore professionals’ understandings around what intersex is and the potential needs of this service user group. It will examine what professional practices are currently in place within their settings and what teaching or training they have received.

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Examine health and social care professionals’ understandings of intersex, including how they conceptualise variations in sex characteristics and intersex identities.
2. Explore professionals’ perceptions of the needs, vulnerabilities, and rights of intersex service users within health and social care settings.
3. Identify current practices, organisational pathways, and decision‑making processes used when working with intersex individuals.
4. Investigate the extent and nature of any training, education, or professional development relating to intersex issues.
5. Highlight gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improving inclusive, ethical, and rights‑based practice. The study will develop evidence that can inform policy, workforce training, and professional standards, to better support intersex service users.

This will be a qualitative research project, and we encourage potential applicants to bring their own methodological ideas to the study. It is envisaged that semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups will be undertaken with a wide variety of relevant health and social care professionals.

Issues around epistemic justice must also be considered when conducting this research. Intersex researchers are especially encouraged to apply.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: kate.wood@hud.ac.uk

We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application.

Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility: These scholarships are open to UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.

Location: Huddersfield/Online

Funding: Fee waiver

Duration: 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time