Self-harm and suicide prevention research (studentship)

Entry requirements

Applicants should meet the standard entry requirements for the MSc by Research in Population Health Sciences at the University of Bristol. Please refer to the admissions statement for full details, including required documentation.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

As part of the MSc by Research in Population Health Sciences, a funded one-year studentship is available within the Suicide and Self-harm Research group (SASH), based in the Centre for Academic Mental Health.

SASH conducts interdisciplinary research aimed at improving understanding and prevention of self-harm and suicide in the UK and globally, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods.

This studentship is intended for an early career researcher with a strong interest in suicide and self-harm. Rather than a predefined project, applicants are invited to develop their own research proposal aligned with the interests of the SASH group. This reflects the flexible structure of the MSc by Research, where students design and undertake an independent research project under academic supervision.

Proposed projects must be feasible within a one-year timeframe. Applicants are encouraged to make use of existing data sources (for example, secondary datasets or published literature), such as the Office for National Statistics, WHO Mortality Database, Global Burden of Disease study, Catalogue of Mental Health Measures or the UK Data Service.

Applicants should identify at least one potential supervisor from the SASH group and are strongly encouraged to contact them in advance to discuss the feasibility of their proposal. Additional co-supervisors from the wider department may also be included, in line with standard programme requirements.

The successful candidate will participate in regular SASH research meetings and will receive training and development support through supervision and the Bristol Medical School short course programme. The project is expected to generate outputs suitable for academic publication, and may provide a foundation for further doctoral study.

Fees and funding

This studentship provides:

• A stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27)
• Home tuition fees

The award is open to both home and international applicants. International candidates will be required to cover any difference between home and overseas tuition fees.

Start date: October 2026
Application deadline: 20 May 2026