About the Project
SMArT (Self-management after therapy) is a brief four session intervention that can be delivered remotely by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners in NHS Talking Therapies Services. It is a strength-based approach which uses implementation intentions to support self-management and relapse prevention and can target both physical and mental health (MH) related behaviours. This PhD will build on this work to explore the design and feasibility of an intervention to use implementation intentions to support people with severe mental illness (SMI) to engage with their recovery plans. This will include identifying where in the pathway the intervention is best provided, and which practitioners should provide and support it, including peer support workers. The PhD will benefit from excellent links with the Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Creative Minds through the Centre for Equity in Mental health.
Aims
- Systematic review of psychological interventions to support recovery plans for people with SMI.
- Exploration of the design and delivery of a psychological intervention using implementation intentions to support recovery plans for people with SMI.
Admissions
To apply please submit the documents listed below to [contact details available in the full listing] in full by Friday 13 November 2026.
- A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
- A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. Find further guidance on writing a research proposal.
- A copy of your CV.
- Copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
- References from two individuals (at least one to be an academic reference). Please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to [contact details available in the full listing] from their work email address (references can be submitted late but must be received by Friday 4 December 2026).
- Proof of eligibility – e.g. a scan of your passport photo page.
Please state the research project title in the subject area of the email when sending through your documents.
Need further support?
For any queries regarding eligibility or submitting documents, please email: [contact details available in the full listing]
For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Joanna Blackburn: [contact details available in the full listing]
Details of the project can be found by visiting https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/research-scholarships/cemh-fee-waiver-scholarships/
