PhD Studentship: National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) PhD Studentship in primary care research

The Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx) in the University of Exeter Medical School at St Luke’s Campus in Exeter is inviting applications for a PhD studentship commencing September 2026. This is part funded by the National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) with match funding for the final year provided by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South West or the Inflammatory Neuropathies UK Charity depending on the chosen project (see below). For eligible students, this will cover Home tuition fees, an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3 years full-time (pro rata for part-time study), plus a contribution to research and training costs.

Supervision for the PhD is being offered around one of the two primary care focussed research projects below, please indicate which you are interested in on application.

Project 1: Social prescribing to support physical activity in children and young people with type 1 diabetes: understanding roles and co‑designing a feasible support package.

Lead supervisor & contact: Dr Emma Cockcroft (e.j.cockcroft@exeter.ac.uk).

Matched funding from ARC South West.

Project 2: Understanding the impact and research priorities of those living with inflammatory peripheral neuropathy.

Lead supervisor & contact: Prof Lianne Wood (L.Wood2@exeter.ac.uk).

Matched funding from Inflammatory Neuropathies UK Charity.

Further information on the projects can be seen on the University advert website: (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5856)

The PhD funding will be awarded on the basis of academic merit.

Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply but should note the following:

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £27,000.
• It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
  • Student visa fees
  • Immigration Health Surcharge
  • Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.

Applicants should therefore ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.