Anna Freud is inviting applications for the BeeWell Doctor of Philosophy Studentship in Evidence Based Child and Adolescent Mental Health, a funded research opportunity designed for a motivated researcher who wants to contribute to meaningful change in the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. This full-time, three-year funded studentship offers the selected candidate the chance to undertake doctoral research connected to the BeeWell programme while working with Anna Freud, a leading mental health charity focused on supporting children, young people, and their families.
The opportunity is especially important for applicants who are passionate about child and adolescent mental health, wellbeing, public health, psychology, social sciences, quantitative research, and evidence-based practice. Through this studentship, the successful candidate will investigate the drivers of young people’s mental health and wellbeing, using large-scale datasets and advanced quantitative analysis to generate insights that can inform real-world action.
Anna Freud’s mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who affects the lives of children, young people, and families. This studentship supports that mission by helping build stronger evidence around what influences young people’s mental health, wellbeing, and health behaviours.
About the BeeWell Doctor of Philosophy Studentship
The BeeWell Doctor of Philosophy Studentship is a funded doctoral research opportunity in Evidence Based Child and Adolescent Mental Health. The successful applicant will contribute to research linked to the BeeWell programme, which focuses on understanding and improving the wellbeing of young people.
This studentship combines doctoral study with applied research. The selected candidate will not only work toward a Doctor of Philosophy qualification through University College London but will also contribute to a real-world programme that engages with schools, project partners, and multidisciplinary research teams.
The studentship is structured as a full-time, fixed-term opportunity lasting three years. It includes an annual stipend paid termly by Anna Freud, as well as tuition fees covered at the Home United Kingdom rate.
Funding and Stipend Details
The selected candidate will receive financial support through an annual stipend, paid termly by Anna Freud. Tuition fees will also be covered at the Home United Kingdom rate.
The stipend is structured as follows:
- Year 1: £24,174
- Year 2: £24,906
- Year 3: £25,657
This funding structure makes the studentship a strong opportunity for applicants who want to pursue doctoral research while contributing to applied mental health research in a respected organisation.
Location and Working Arrangement
The studentship is based in London or Manchester, with attendance in person at University College London courses required. This means applicants should be prepared to attend required doctoral courses in London as part of their programme.
The opportunity also includes hybrid working. The successful candidate may work from either of the following Anna Freud sites:
- Anna Freud London site: 4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH
- Northern Hub: Jactin House, 24 Hood Street, Manchester M4 6WX
This hybrid arrangement provides flexibility while still requiring in-person engagement with University College London and the wider doctoral programme.
Main Research Focus
The studentship focuses on research into the factors that shape young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Through the BeeWell programme, the successful candidate will use large-scale datasets to examine what drives wellbeing, mental health outcomes, and health behaviours among young people.
This research is intended to produce evidence-based insights that can support positive change for children and young people. The work will be collaborative, data-driven, and connected to real-world practice.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and deliver a Doctor of Philosophy research project aligned with the key research themes of the BeeWell programme. This includes designing research questions, choosing appropriate methodology, analysing data, interpreting findings, and communicating research outcomes clearly.
Responsibilities of the Selected Candidate
The successful applicant will be expected to take on a wide range of research and programme-related responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
- Conducting research using large-scale datasets to investigate the drivers of young people’s mental health, wellbeing, and health behaviours.
- Developing and delivering a Doctor of Philosophy research project aligned with the major research themes of the BeeWell programme.
- Analysing and interpreting complex quantitative data to produce high-quality research outputs and evidence-based insights.
- Contributing to the wider delivery of the BeeWell programme, including supporting planned analyses and engagement activities with schools and project partners.
- Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team while undertaking doctoral studies through University College London.
- Following Anna Freud’s policies, values, and safeguarding responsibilities throughout the studentship.
This role requires someone who can work independently on doctoral research while also contributing to a larger collaborative research programme.
Academic and Research Background Required
Anna Freud is looking for a motivated and analytically minded researcher with a strong interest in children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The ideal candidate should have a solid academic background, experience with quantitative research methods, and a clear desire to carry out research that can improve outcomes for young people.
Applicants are expected to bring:
- An undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline, such as social sciences, public health, mental health, or another research-focused subject.
- A Master’s degree, or equivalent experience working within a research environment.
- A demonstrable interest in children and young people’s mental health, wellbeing, or related areas of research.
- Experience with quantitative research methods, data analysis, and complex datasets.
- The ability to develop and communicate a clear research proposal, including research questions, methodology, analysis plans, and the potential impact of the findings.
The opportunity is suitable for applicants who are comfortable with data-driven research and who want to use evidence to support better mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit key materials as part of the application process. These documents are important because they help demonstrate the applicant’s academic preparation, research interests, methodological ability, and alignment with the BeeWell programme.
Applicants will be required to submit:
- An Expression of Interest explaining how their skills, knowledge, and experience match the requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy studentship.
- A Research Proposal addressing the key research themes of the BeeWell project.
The Research Proposal should include:
- A brief introduction
- Research question or research questions
- Proposed methodology
- Proposed analysis
- Potential implications of the findings
Applicants are encouraged to review the BeeWell programme and its existing research before preparing their application and research proposal. This will help applicants design a stronger proposal that connects clearly with the programme’s priorities and research direction.
Important Application Dates
The closing date for applications is midday, 12:00 PM, Monday, 29 June 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply promptly because the advert may close early if Anna Freud receives a high volume of applications.
Shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than Wednesday, 1 July 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, and Monday, 13 July 2026.
Additional Conditions for Applicants
Applicants must be eligible for entry to the University College London Faculty of Brain Sciences Doctor of Philosophy programme from September 2026. Applicants must also qualify for tuition fees at the Home United Kingdom rate.
The successful candidate will be asked to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the United Kingdom after receiving a job offer. Anna Freud does not hold a sponsor licence and cannot provide visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment
Anna Freud states that equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to its recruitment practices. The organisation considers candidates who meet the job criteria regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities, or care experience.
Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed through a fair evaluation process using the criteria set out in the job profile. Anna Freud also identifies as a Disability Confident employer, meaning disabled candidates who meet the criteria are guaranteed an interview.
The organisation also asks candidates to share diversity information to help identify, address, and prevent bias across the employee lifecycle. Anna Freud believes that a diverse workforce strengthens its ability to support mental health and wellbeing and to better meet the needs of children, young people, and families.
Staff Benefits and Support
The studentship is also connected to Anna Freud’s broader staff support and wellbeing offer. Benefits include access to Perkbox, an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform, as well as wellbeing support such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through the Employee Assistance Programme.
Anna Freud also has staff-led Diversity Networks, which provide opportunities for learning, connection, and impact. These networks support an inclusive workplace culture and help staff engage meaningfully with equity, diversity, and inclusion.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare their Expression of Interest and Research Proposal carefully, ensuring that both documents clearly show their academic background, research experience, quantitative skills, and interest in children and young people’s mental health.
Applicants should also review the BeeWell programme and its existing research before submitting their application. A strong application should demonstrate clear alignment with the programme’s themes, show a thoughtful understanding of the research area, and present a realistic plan for doctoral research.
The deadline to apply is 12:00 PM on Monday, 29 June 2026.
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