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Website University of Plymouth
Closing date: 26th April
A fantastic opportunity for aspiring PhD students passionate about improving care for people with dementia.
Join a cutting-edge, supportive national network of leading dementia researchers and develop your career in dementia research.
The 4-year studentships are funded by the Alzheimer’s Society Doctoral Training Centre for Integrated Care (I-Care-DTC), a collaboration between five leading institutions in dementia care research: Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), University College London (UCL), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and University of Plymouth (UoP). I-Care-DTC will fund up to 29 PhD students over eight years, with a new cohort recruited annually for five years.
Our experienced and passionate team will support each cohort in developing PhD studies that not only contribute individually to internationally leading research but also collectively build a unique body of knowledge. This research will focus on delivering seamless care from diagnosis to end of life, promoting independence, autonomy, and choice for all, especially for under-served populations.
At the University of Plymouth, in our second student cohort, starting October 2026, we will support and nurture a talented future dementia research leader through a 4-year fully funded PhD studentship (full time).
Our interdisciplinary team spans primary care, allied health, psychiatry, psychology, geriatrics, neurology, nursing, and social care. Students will be supported by cross-institutional supervisory teams, and their research projects will be co-produced with key stakeholders, including people living with dementia and carers.
Students will learn from experts in diverse research methods to develop impactful projects that improve care and support. We prioritise student wellbeing through cohort-building activities, peer support, annual residential retreats, and mentorship from experts in public involvement, policy, and international research.
Through the I-Care– DTC, students will also benefit from unique opportunities such as policy workshops, public engagement training, tailored development programmes, and potential placements with partners including the Nuffield Trust, Marie Curie, and others.
This year at University of Plymouth we have a studentship available that aligns with the following I-Care DTC research themes:
- Independence, autonomy and choice; which will ensure that every person with dementia will have a voice in their care;
- Complexity and risk; to find ways to provide joined-up and coordinated care for people with multiple health and care needs;
- Under-served populations; to ensure that everyone has equal access to high quality care;
- End of life care; to ensure that the quality of care is improved at this critical time, and that people’s needs are respected and met with compassion.
Our interdisciplinary team spans primary care, allied health, psychiatry, psychology, geriatrics, neurology, nursing, and social care. Students will be supported by cross-institutional supervisory teams, and their research projects will be co-produced with key stakeholders, including people living with dementia and carers. Students will use robust qualitative, epidemiological, big data, and intervention development/evaluation methods.
Supervision and training
Students will learn from experts in diverse research methods to develop impactful projects that improve care and support. We prioritise student wellbeing through cohort-building activities, peer support, annual residential retreats, and mentorship from experts in public involvement, policy, and international research.
Through the I-Care DTC, students will also benefit from unique opportunities such as policy workshops, public engagement training, tailored development programmes, and potential placements with partners including the Nuffield Trust, Marie Curie, and others.
If you’re passionate about advancing dementia care, join us to make a lasting impact on individuals and families affected by dementia.
The opportunity
- We have an exciting 4-year PhD studentship available at the University of Plymouth. The studentship benefits from:
- A competitive tax-free student stipend (£20,800 in year 1, £21,800 in year 2, £22,800 in year 3 and £23,800 in year 4, totaling £89,200 over the 4 years).
- University PhD fees at UK rates
- Annual budget of £3,000 to cover research costs
- £1,000 per annum for career development (including conference attendance and training)
About you
We invite applications from individuals who have a 2:1 or above for their degree (or equivalent) and/or relevant master’s degree or equivalent post-graduate research experience and training.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
Please note the studentships will cover the cost of home fees only. International students are welcome to apply, although they will be responsible for covering the difference in fees.
Skills, knowledge, attributes and experience:
- An interest in research and improving services and support for people living with dementia.
- Experience of writing up research, for example for publication, dissertation or a thesis
- Ability to work under pressure, to meet tight deadlines, and proven problem-solving skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Prior experience of research in ageing, dementia or older people, or long-term conditions
Options of research projects include:
There are several research projects available at the University of Plymouth. Each research project is aligned to a theme and has a cross-University supervisory team.
Prior to applying, we recommend prospective applicants contact the lead for their first-choice project, who will be happy to discuss the opportunity and answer any questions.
Please indicate your first, second, and third choice of projects in your application.
Project 1:
Title: Lived Trajectories: Co-creating a Dementia Archive using a Citizen Science Approach
Theme: Complexity and risk
Supervisor and lead contact: Dr Tomisina Oh, email: tomasina.oh@plymouth.ac.uk
This PhD explores whether narratives collected on a large scale via a citizen science approach can enhance understanding of dementia prognosis and emotional readiness for Advance Care Planning, especially among those isolated or lacking peer support.
Project 2:
Title: Personalised care using AI-enabled biomarkers for people with dementia to improve independence and quality of Life
Theme: Personalised care
Supervisor and lead contact: Dr Michael Loizou, email: michael.loizou@plymouth.ac.uk
Understanding the lived experience of people with dementia is central to maximising their independence, quality of life, and the provision of personalised care. Obtaining clear insights can be difficult: Cognitive impairments affect the accuracy of patient insights, and large multifactorial datasets (e.g. biomarkers) can make it harder to identify meaningful patterns. AI may offer the potential to obtain insights than humans cannot.
This PhD opportunity addresses this fundamental unmet need by researching if cognitive neuroscience and biomarkers can improve the understanding of the experience and care needs of people with dementia from diagnosis to end-of-life care.
Project 3:
Title: Rest & nourish: sleep nutrition routines for night-time disturbance in dementia
Theme: Personalised care
Supervisor and lead contact: Dr Louise Mole, email: louise.mole@plymouth.ac.uk
This PhD aims to synthesise evidence on sleep disturbance and nutritional status in dementia; explore lived experiences of people with dementia and caregivers around sleep’s impact on eating and drinking; and co-design and test the feasibility and acceptability of a sleep and nutrition intervention.
Project 4:
Title: Triadic talking therapies in dementia care: a realist investigation of what works, for whom, in what circumstances, and why.
Theme: Independence, autonomy and choice
Supervisor and lead contact: Dr Hannah Wheat, email: hannah.wheat-1@plymouth.ac.uk
This PhD aims to explain whether, when, for whom and why triadic talking therapies work (and don’t) for people living with dementia, and how they might be embedded into relevant health/care pathways.
How to apply
To apply, please email the following to icare-dtc@qmul.ac.uk:
- A completed application form, including:
- Details of two referees
- Your ranked order of preference for the PhD projects
- A one-side (1,000 words maximum) A4 personal statement. This should set out:
- Why you wish to apply for a PhD and particular project/s
- Your previous academic or other experience relevant to the proposed research
- Your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD
- How you meet the Skills, knowledge, attributes and experience listed in the about you section.
- Two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) including relevant education and employment history (please send using Word format).
- A completed Diversity and Equality form (please send using Word format)
- Proof of English language ability for overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries.
Please note the Studentships will cover the cost of home fees only. International students are welcome to apply, although they will be responsible for covering the difference in fees.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Interviews will be held in person at the University of Plymouth on Thursday 21st May 2026.
We will reimburse reasonable, standard class travel for shortlisted candidates on provision of valid receipts. If attendance in person is not possible, in line with our inclusive ethos we will liaise with shortlisted candidates to enable virtual participation.
I–Care-DTC and associated institutions are committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion. We welcome applications, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
For general enquires please email icare-dtc@qmul.ac.uk
FAQs
Will it be possible to use an existing PhD project idea for the studentship?
Applicants are welcome to bring their own ideas and research interests to the studentship. However, we cannot guarantee that any pre‑existing project proposals can be adopted in their current form.
Following appointment, we will work closely with the successful candidate to identify an appropriate supervisory team and to shape a PhD project that aligns with their interests, expertise within the department, and the strategic aims of the studentship.
Can the PhD be completed remotely?
Yes, this PhD studentship can be undertaken largely on a remote basis, with regular online supervision provided. However, some in‑person engagement will be required throughout the duration of the PhD.
The frequency and format of in-person engagement will be determined by the Director of Studies and will depend on the needs of the PhD project.
Is there an application fee?
No, we do not charge an application fee.
Is my qualification recognised?
Our International Office has a list of countries/regions for which we have published admissions information online. Please see our international students section. Alternatively we use UKNARIC to check the equivalency of international and European qualifications: www.naric.org.uk
Will part-time studentships be accepted?
Alzheimer’s Society supports researchers and their research teams to work flexibly to meet personal circumstances and are happy to discuss part-time PhD studentship options. If successful, as a part-time student, a plan will be made to ensure you remain a vital part of the cohort.
What happens after I submit my form?
All complete applications will be considered by the ICare-DTC management team. Providing you have included all the required documentation; we aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt.
Where can I find out more about English language requirements?
Read more about our English language requirements page.
Is there any help for applicants with disabilities?
Each University has a dedicated Disability and Dyslexia Service which offers advice, support and guidance for disabled students, including those with mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia), from the point of application through to graduation. This advice covers issues such as agreeing to the provision of reasonable adjustments, as well as accessing external sources of funding and support, such as the Disabled Student’s Allowance.
How will successful candidates be matched with institutions and projects?
All interviewed candidates will be scored and ranked by the interview panel. The candidate ranked first at interview by the panel will have the choice of all projects advertised across the programme.
Who is on the interview panel?
A selection of academics from the host institutions and a member of our PPIE team will be represented on the panel.
To apply for this job email your details to icare-dtc@qmul.ac.uk.
