Investigating inequalities in treatment utilisation for colorectal cancer: can these explain urban-rural disparities in survival?

About the Project

This PhD is an exciting opportunity to address the current critical evidence gap into the nature, and causes, of rural bowel cancer inequalities. The student will conduct quantitative and qualitative research, producing complementary findings to shed light on this phenomenon. The findings from this PhD will be used to underpin future service changes to improve cancer experiences and outcomes for rural patients.

During the first part of the PhD the student will use national “big data” to examine variations in bowel cancer treatment for rural and urban patients, including how the treatment received relates to bowel cancer survival. The second study will comprise interviews with health care professionals who provide bowel cancer treatment to rural patients across the North of England. These interviews will explore the challenges and problems associated with treatment delivery and receipt for rural patients.

The student will join a vibrant and diverse research group, the Researching Equity, Access and Cancer Health outcomes (REACH) team, which is part of the Population Health Sciences Institute (PHSI) at Newcastle University. This supportive research environment comprises colleagues with a range of methodological expertise, as well as access to specialist in-house and external training, and opportunities to present work at leading national conferences. In-depth knowledge of clinical pathways and systems will also be gained through engagement with the clinical PhD supervisor, developing understanding of how findings can be applied in real-world settings. The PhD will be supervised by national research leaders in cancer inequalities (particularly rural cancer inequalities) and bowel cancer, providing a range of opportunities to develop professional networks and impact from this work. The supervisors have a strong track record of postgraduate research student supervision and are committed to supporting PhD students, with diverse backgrounds and learning needs, to succeed (applications for flexible, or part-time, working are welcomed).

This multi-methods PhD will enable the student to develop broad methodological experience and expertise in cancer epidemiology and qualitative interview and analysis techniques, laying the foundation for a research career in cancer, or health, inequalities. Findings could form the basis of post-doctoral research to develop and test intervention(s) to improve treatment experiences and outcomes amongst people diagnosed with bowel cancer in rural areas of England.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

(You can check that you meet Newcastle University English Language requirements using this link - International Students: English Language Requirements | Newcastle Uni | Newcastle University)

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.