"PhD Studentship: A Systems Thinking Approach to Understanding and Preventing Male Suicide"

University of Birmingham - School of Psychology

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Sandwell Council to start in October 2026.

Male suicide is a major global public health challenge, accounting for around 75% of suicide deaths worldwide. In the UK, it remains the leading cause of death among men under 50, with persistently high rates despite sustained prevention efforts. Traditional research has focused on individual risk factors (e.g., depression, substance misuse, relationship breakdowns), but these approaches often overlook the complex, systemic nature of suicide.

This PhD will apply systems thinking to male suicide in the UK, recognising the dynamic interactions between individual, social, cultural, and structural factors.

The PhD aims to develop and test a novel systems-based framework to inform both policy and practice, identifying leverage points for more effective intervention. The successful candidate will use a combination of methodological approaches and techniques including realist review, co-production of complex systems map and case study analysis. They will work closely with stakeholders and experts by experience to ensure the research is meaningful, accessible and co-produced with the communities it aims to benefit.

We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in the field of psychology, health sciences or related field. An MSc degree in a relevant area is desirable though not necessary. Applicants should demonstrate experience in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Prior experience working with vulnerable or marginalised populations is highly valued, as is familiarity with stakeholder engaged research, co production approaches, and systems thinking frameworks.

To be considered for this PhD, please follow the instructions, click the 'Apply' button above.

Application deadline: February 17 2026

Interviews for this studentship are expected to take place on Friday 20 March 2026.

Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Due to funding stipulations set by UKRI, we are able to recruit up to 30% of international applicants to the cohort each year. You can find further details at https://www.centre-ub.org/studentships/call-for-applicants/

Informal enquiries about the project prior to application can be directed to Dr Maria Michail (m.michail@bham.ac.uk).