PhD Studentship in Medicine

University of Nottingham

Reference: MED2044
Area: Medicine
Location: UK (Other)
Closing Date: Monday, 13 April 2026
Start Date: 1 June 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Funding: Self-funded PhD

Institution: University of Nottingham
School: School of Medicine

Principal Supervisors

• Professor Kimberely Edwards
  Professor of Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition Education, School of Medicine
• Dr Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson
  Teaching Associate, School of Medicine
  thomas.bestwick-stevenson@nottingham.ac.uk

Programme Overview

The overarching theme of this PhD programme is to investigate the interaction between health outcomes and modifiable lifestyle risk factors, with particular emphasis on physical activity and diet.

Many chronic health conditions are associated with modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and poor diet. The four major non-communicable diseases—cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, and chronic lung disease—account for over 60% of global deaths and are the leading causes of mortality in the UK. A substantial proportion of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases could be prevented by addressing poor diet, tobacco use, and insufficient physical activity.

Mental health conditions, also classified as non-communicable diseases, are strongly linked to physical activity levels and represent a major cause of disability worldwide.

PhD Project Description

This project is embedded within a large ongoing cohort study. The successful candidate will take a leading role in:

• Managing and administering follow-up questionnaires
• Analysing longitudinal cohort data
• Investigating the contribution of lifestyle factors—particularly physical activity and diet—to health outcomes

The research will focus on interactions between lifestyle behaviours and conditions such as osteoarthritis, and will generate evidence relevant to clinicians, athletes, and the wider public. For example, findings may inform understanding of the impact of activities such as running on joint health, supporting evidence-based decision-making around physical activity participation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, independent PhD student to contribute to impactful, applied health research.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

• At least a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Sport Science, Sport/Exercise Medicine, Rehabilitation Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, or related fields)
• Ideally, a relevant Master’s degree in a cognate subject area

Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, motivation, and the ability to work independently within a research team.

Funding Information

This PhD position is not funded. Applicants must be able to self-fund their doctoral studies.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• A CV
• A short cover letter (maximum 1,000 words) outlining:
  • Motivation for applying to this PhD programme
  • Relevant skills and experience
  • What they can contribute to the research project
• Contact details for two referees, one of whom should be the most recent academic supervisor (or relevant line manager)

Applications should be sent by email to:
Thomas.Bestwick-Stevenson@nottingham.ac.uk

Email subject line:
“HEALTH OF ADULTS PHD APPLICATION”

Please note that offers of study are subject to receipt of two satisfactory references.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Monday, 13 April 2026
• Provisional interview date: Friday, 24 April 2026
• PhD start date: 1 June 2026 (or shortly thereafter)

Apply