Integrating longitudinal insights and counselling outcomes for a comprehensive perspective of student mental health

This doctoral research aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of student mental health and well-being by amalgamating insights from multiple data sources and stakeholder engagement. Through this approach, the research aims to contribute to evidence-based practices and inform policies to improve mental health and well-being within higher education settings. The project intends to amalgamate longitudinal data to understand students' evolving mental health and establish a longitudinal cohort at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with existing cohorts at the University of York. This research will also explore clinical trajectories and outcomes from counselling and mental health services through the analysis of practice-based datasets. Together this research aims to explore pivotal factors shaping students' mental health, identify determinants impacting their well-being and inform the development of tailored strategies that meet the mental health needs of university students.

About us

The doctoral researcher will become part of the Department of Psychology, collaborating with an active cohort of doctoral researchers and an interdisciplinary team closely working with our Student Mental Health and Psychological Therapies Service. The research will be supervised by Dr Emma Broglia and Dr Nemanja Vaci at the University of Sheffield, as well as Professor Dean McMillan at the University of York. For an informal discussion regarding the studentship, please reach out to Emma at [Email Address Removed] 

Department of Psychology

Over 80% of the Department of Psychology’s research was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent in the last Research Excellence Framework assessment and the department gained a rating of Excellent in the last Teaching Quality Assessment. It is a large department with a vibrant community of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, working within two large research groups: (i) Social and Behaviour Change & Interventions for Psychological Health and (ii) Neuroscience and Cognition & Learning and Development. There are 66 members of academic staff, 15 research staff, 18 professional staff (IT, admin, technical) as well as 200 post-graduate (research and taught) students along with around 600 undergraduate students. Further information about the Department of Psychology and about staff research interests is available on our website at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/psychology  

Person Specification 

A bachelor's and master's degree in psychology or a related field. Proficiency in quantitative research methods and analysis is preferred. Advanced statistics experience is desirable, but training will be provided if necessary and support through supervision. Experience with practice-based datasets (e.g., from counselling/mental health services) or familiarity with clinical measures is also desirable. An essential prerequisite is a keen interest in student mental health and higher education. 

Start date 1 October 2024. All applications are made online

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying