"PhD Studentship: Dietetic Needs in Healthy Ageing: Understanding Referrals, Frailty Pathways and Older Adults’ Perspectives"

All students must be able to meet the University’s requirements for a research degree, which is to be able to devote a minimum of 35 hours per week (full-time) or 15 hours per week (part-time) to the programme of research. The minimum entry requirement is a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification in psychology, nutrition science or related discipline. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

Non-UK applicants must have an IELTS Academic test certificate with an overall score of 6.5-7.0 and no score below 6.0 issued in the last 2 years.

Bursary p.a.: Self-funded

Fees and Bench fees: Bench fees £1500. Information on fees.

Start Date: September 2026

Project Title: Dietetic Needs in Healthy Ageing: Understanding Referrals, Frailty Pathways and Older Adults’ Perspectives

Requirements: Nutrition/Dietetics degree and experience in research

Project Description: This PhD focuses on understanding nutrition and dietetic needs among community-dwelling older adults, with an emphasis on healthy ageing, outpatient care, and early frailty. As ageing populations rise across Europe, demand for nutrition care is increasing, yet referral reasons, pathway gaps, and patient perspectives remain poorly understood. This project uses a mixed methods approach to analyse 3-5 years of outpatient dietetic referrals, examine European clinicians’ views on dietitians in frailty and ageing pathways, and assess older adults’ perceived nutrition priorities and unmet needs.

Project contact: p0093897@brookes.ac.uk

Formal applications should be submitted via the university application page. Masters by Research applications will be also considered.

For enquiries about the application process, contact hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk. Please email this address to let us know that you have applied.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week of 24 April.