PhD Studentship - Preventing Chronic Diseases and Reducing Health Inequities in the UK post-Brexit: - The impact of the UK Internal Market Act on the Discretion of Devolved Nations to Promote Better Health for All

Funding: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) North-West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP)

Starting date: 1^st October 2025

Application deadline: 12 noon on 27^th February 2025

The School of Law and Social Justice at the University of Liverpool in collaboration with Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship to explore the impact that the UK Internal Market Act has had on the powers of devolved administrations to protect public health and prevent NCDs. The research will be conducted under the joint supervision of Professors Amandine Garde and Michael Dougan at the University of Liverpool, and Alison Douglas at AFS.

More detailed information regarding the context, focus, objectives, and methodology of this research project is available in the further particulars which can be found at ESRC NWSSDTP Studentship - Liverpool Law School - University of Liverpool

The PhD is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) North-West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). It will commence in October 2025 and can be undertaken on a full time (3 years) or a part time basis (6 years).

The successful candidate will be eligible for an award which includes

1) a stipend to support living costs (currently £19,237 per annum full-time – 2025/2026 rates to be confirmed), and

2) University fees paid at the standard UKRI home fee rate (currently £4,786 per annum full-time - 2025/2026 rates also to be confirmed) for up to four years. 

If the successful candidate is an international applicant, they will not have to pay any fees during the period of award. This is because the University of Liverpool has agreed to waive the difference in fees between the overseas fee rate and the amount of funding received from UKRI.

It is an essential requirement that candidates have:

• A background in law, and in particular an excellent understanding of both EU internal market and UK constitutional law; and
• At least a 2:1/merit or equivalent (for international applicants) both in their undergraduate and in their Master’s degrees.

A background in public health is highly desirable, as well as experience working with civil society organisations or other policy actors, or with public engagement.

Applications should be submitted to slsjpgr@liverpool.ac.uk by no later than 12noon on Thursday 27^th February 2025, including a full CV and a covering letter, as detailed in the further particulars.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview. Interviews will take place on Thursday 6^th March 2025 between 9:30am and 12:30pm

Further queries can be directed to Professor Amandine Garde: agarde@liverpool.ac.uk

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