PhD studentship in the Population Health Sciences Institute: Exploring the impact of heavy drinking in older adults on healthcare costs

About the Project

Award summary: 100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rate)

Overview

Are you interested in public health, ageing and health economics? This PhD will explore the costs of heavy drinking amongst older adults to the UK healthcare system.

Heavy drinking is a major preventable cause of disease and death among older adults in the UK, yet its economic costs remain unknown, prompting calls from policymakers for evidence to inform prevention and policy decisions. This PhD will deliver the first comprehensive exploration of healthcare costs of heavy drinking in older populations.

In this PhD, you will:

1. Conduct a systematic review to identify and synthesise evidence on health, psychological and social consequences of heavy drinking among older.
2. Undertake qualitative research with policymakers to understand their priorities.
3. Use large-scale datasets to conduct econometric analysis exploring the impact of heavy drinking on health care costs in this population.

You will develop expertise in evidence synthesis, qualitative research, health economics, public health, policy engagement, and alcohol and ageing research during this PhD.