"Joint Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) and NIHR Applied Research Collaborative North East and North Cumbria (ARC NENC) PhD Studentship - Developing a risk-based care pathway for patients with suspected Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)"

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid, annual stipend of £21,805 and significant research/training/conference funding. Only available to those eligible for UK home tuition fees.

Overview

Interested in how to shape the future of care for patients suspected of having a TIA? This PhD will explore how a risk-stratified approach could be developed with key stakeholders.

National guidelines advise that patients suspected of having a TIA should receive simple initial treatment alongside referral for specialist assessment within 24 hours of symptom onset. This is because true TIA is an important risk factor for future stroke. However, presentations to primary care for suspected TIA can vary significantly and a large proportion of patients have a low risk of stroke. Hospital TIA services currently struggle to quickly see all patients. An approach based upon the risk of stroke would allow greater personalisation of care and prioritisation of referrals. Through evidence synthesis, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and an analysis of TIA clinic data you will help to understand how stratification might assist in delivery of more appropriately targeted care.

You will develop mixed-methods expertise and join Dr. Tang’s research team in the Population Health Sciences Institute (PHSI) and benefiting from Newcastle University’s Stroke Research Group, a multidisciplinary group with a global reputation. As an ARC-linked studentship, you will be eligible for access to ARC training, events and writing retreats and join their PhD cohort.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: September 2026

Award duration: 3 Years

Sponsor
Newcastle University, FMS and NIHR ARC NENC (Prevention including Multiple Long-Term Conditions theme)

Supervisors
Dr. Eugene Tang
Professor Christopher Price
Dr. Marie Poole
Dr. David Sinclair
(All based at PHSI, Newcastle University)

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, in an appropriate subject. A further qualification such as an MRes is advantageous.

• Interest/experience in mixed methods including qualitative research and data science
• Interest/experience in health services research

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Application Portal: applyto.newcastle.ac.uk

In ‘Course choice’ tab:

Type of Study - ‘Postgraduate Research’

Mode of Study - ‘Full Time’

Year of Entry - ‘2026’

Course code ‘8370F’

Research Area – Leave Blank

Press ‘Search’

Select ‘‘PhD Population Health Sciences (FT)’and save selection.

Upload:

• A document or write into ‘Personal Statement’ describing your interests and background.
• Put code‘PH063’in ‘Studentship Reference’.
• When prompted for a research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required.
• Covering letter and CV: Quote reference code ‘PH063’ and state how your interests and experience relate to the project (750 words max.)
• Degree transcripts and certificated.
• If English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.

Contact details

For further details about the studentship, please contact:

Dr. Eugene Tang

E-mail: eugene.tang@newcastle.ac.uk