Improving Children's Food Environments in Out-of-Home Settings: Understanding Behaviours, Provision and Opportunities for Intervention

Summary

The PhD could comprise a series of interconnected studies that aim to generate evidence and identify practical opportunities to improve children's food environments within the out-of-home sector.

Year 1 may focus on strengthening the evidence base through a review of the literature, building on previous Food Standards Agency research to explore parental attitudes, behaviours and perceptions relating to healthier food options in out-of-home settings.

There may also be an opportunity to undertake an economic analysis using data from the FSA's nutritional sampling of children's meals in Northern Ireland to estimate the potential costs associated with menu reformulation and healthier food provision within restaurant settings.

Year 2 could explore the factors influencing food choices when families eat outside the home. This might include a survey of parents to better understand drivers and barriers to healthier choices, alongside opportunities to support improved decision-making. Findings could then inform a series of co-design workshops involving parents and children to develop and refine healthier children's menu concepts that are both appealing and feasible within commercial settings.

Year 3 may focus on translating these insights into practice through piloting an intervention within a real-world setting. This pilot could explore the feasibility, acceptability and potential influence on food choice of menu changes stemming from the co-design workshops . The final phase of the project would be to synthesise findings across the three years for the submission of the doctoral thesis.

Specific Skills

A degree in a relevant area (e.g. nutrition, business and management, public health or psychology)

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.