NIHR Inequalities Challenge: Maternity Disparities Consortium

Methodology PhD Studentships in Maternity Disparities: reducing inequalities before, during and after pregnancy. 

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Inequalities Challenge: Maternity Disparities Consortium (MDC) is proud to announce its PhD Studentship competition. We are seeking the next generation of researchers to help us tackle persistent inequalities in maternity. 

The MDC brings together a UK wide collaboration of universities, NHS trusts, councils, charities, and industry partners. You can find information about our consortium members here. Our goal is to improve outcomes for women and babies before, during, and after pregnancy through inclusive, evidence-based research. 

Capacity Development 

The MDC capacity development programme aims to build the next generation of maternity disparities research leaders, strengthen the workforce to deliver and sustain impact across the UK and deliver on the government priorities including the Women’s Health Strategy for England and 10 Year Health Plan for England.  

The Consortium focuses on growing long-term research capacity and expertise, especially within underrepresented disciplines, professions and underserved communities; inspiring and supporting the next generation of researchers with the right skills mix to work across clinical, practice and research sectors.  

The Opportunity

We are offering up to 13 funded PhD studentships across a range of potential projects at universities across our Consortium. We are specifically looking to grow research capacity in methodological areas, including but not limited to, health economics, statistics, trial design, digital research, data science, implementation science and co-production methods, where expertise is currently limited. 

Start: January 2027 

Duration: Up to 3 years (Full-Time) or 4 years at 0.8WTE (Part-Time). Some projects might be full time only, this will be indicated on individual project page.  

Funding:  

  • Full home tuition fees covered (at 2026/27 UK rates)
  • Tax-free annual stipend at UKRI rates (£21,805/£23,805 outside London/ inside London from 1st October 2026). 
  • £5,000 (per award) contribution towards research, travel, training and consumables. 
  • International students are welcome to apply but must secure alternative funding for the difference between UK and Overseas tuition fees. 

All students will be expected to be based at their host university and meet the individual university PhD studentship regulations. Please check individual university postgraduate admissions. 

Mature man giving a speech on seminar for medical staff. Group of doctors and nurses sitting in a conference room and listening to male speaker.

Who is a MDC PhD studentship for? 

We welcome applications from individuals passionate about maternal health equity with particular methodology knowledge and experience. We are committed to building a supportive, inclusive, and caring research community. We particularly encourage applications from: 

  • People from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. 
  • People with disabilities, neurodivergent conditions, and long-term health requirements 
  • Candidates of all genders, ages, and beliefs. 
  • We encourage applicants with experience of a wide range of methodologies to apply if they believe they can bring valuable skills to research on maternity inequalities. If it is not immediately obvious, please use your cover letter to explain how your disciplinary background will allow you to carry out your research. 

Methodology PhD Studentship Projects

For more information please click on each project title. More projects will be added soon.

Application Process

The selection process consists of three stages (please do also check individual project pages): 

  1. Stage One: Application – Please complete and submit an application form here. by 5pm Monday 7th September 2026. You may apply for a maximum of two projects. You may choose to submit one covering letter or one covering letter for each project, if you are applying for more than one. 

Please upload a two-page CV and at least one covering letter (max. 1 page).  We also ask that you identify two referees (one must be an academic referee). 

Please name your CV and covering letter using the following naming convention: 

Surname_CV_project code

Surname_CL_project code 

  1. Stage Two: Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with our National Panel. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th October 2026 in Newcastle. (If you are selected to interview for two projects, we will try our best to ensure you only need to interview once). 
  2. Stage Three: University Placement – Successful candidates will be required to register for a PhD at the host institution.  Please note that you must also meet the specific entry requirements of the host institution. More information can be found on individual institution websites and by contacting the lead supervisor on the project.  
  3. PhD studentships will start January 2027 

Accessibility and Support

We want you to perform at your best. You may contact individual supervisors when asking for more details about the projects and your suitability for the project. General enquiries about the recruitment process and MDC, including if you require any reasonable adjustments for the application process or the interview (such as alternative formats, extra time, or specific technological needs), please contact [email protected].  

NIHR and DHSC have a duty as a public body to promote equality of opportunity.  We will contact all applicants throughout the application period with an Equality Monitoring Form. Monitoring ensures that all applications to NIHR MDC Programmes are treated equally in terms of gender, ethnicity and/or disability. Information will be anonymised and stored separately from your application, only be used for the purpose of monitoring equal opportunities and be kept securely and in confidence.