Scholarships & funding

AHRC CDA Studentship – Understanding teen perceptions of mental health and wellbeing through the Reading Well book collections

Information on the School/Research Group

The College of Social Sciences (CoSS) at the University of Glasgow offers an exceptional research environment for a doctoral researcher investigating children’s reading practices. Within CoSS, the School of Education (SoE) is internationally recognised for its research strengths in Culture, Literacies, Inclusion, and Pedagogy: areas that align closely with the project’s thematic focus.

The successful applicant will become part of a vibrant postgraduate research (PGR) community of over 180 students in the SoE. This dynamic and diverse cohort is supported through a wide-ranging programme of academic and social initiatives, including seminars, workshops, guest lectures, and events designed to support research progression. These opportunities foster interdisciplinary exchange, collegiality, and holistic researcher development.

Supervisory Team

Principal Supervisor: Professor Melanie Ramdarshan Bold

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Jennifer Farrar and Dr Carina Spaulding (The Reading Agency)

Project details

The University of Glasgow and The Reading Agency are delighted to offer a fully funded doctoral studentship through the AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA) scheme, administered by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities (SGSAH). This studentship, Understanding teen perceptions of mental health and wellbeing through the Reading Well collections, will commence on 01 October 2025.

This research project investigates how teenagers engage with Reading Well book collections curated by The Reading Agency, which aim to support mental health and wellbeing through reading. Rather than focusing on clinical outcomes, the study will explore how these books function as tools for understanding emotions, opening conversations, and accessing information. The project will consider a range of formats (including fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels) and examine how accessibility, format, identity, and context influence uptake and impact.

The successful candidate will draw on qualitative methods - such as surveys, interviews, and in-depth case studies - to investigate the experiences of young readers aged 13–18. They will work collaboratively with The Reading Agency and community partners (such as libraries, schools, and youth mental health organisations) to identify barriers to engagement, explore how young people make meaning through reading, and provide practical recommendations to enhance bibliotherapy initiatives. The research will also explore how book provision intersects with wider health and literacy policy contexts.

This CDA studentship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of literary studies, education, and mental health promotion. Supervised by researchers at the University of Glasgow’s School of Education and professionals at The Reading Agency, the student will spend time embedded in both academic and non-academic environments. They will have access to rich training opportunities across the AHRC and SGSAH networks and contribute to the development of reading-based mental health support initiatives for young people.

The project is particularly suited to candidates interested in reader development, youth studies, and bibliotherapy. The successful candidate will be encouraged to shape the project further in line with their interests and expertise.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants will have a good Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent)
• Applicants will have a demonstratable interest in the topic area under investigation
• Applicants will have experience of working with children and/or young people

Please note that all applicants must also meet the entry requirements for the Education, PhD. 

Number of Scholarships

1

Value

The scholarship is available as a full-time +3.5 (3.5 year) [or Part-Time +7 (7year)] PhD programme only. The programme will commence in October 2025. The funding includes:

• An annual stipend at the UKRI rate
• Fees at the standard home or international fee rate
• Students can also draw on a Research Training Support Grant, usually up to a maximum of £940 per year

How to apply

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to providing support and guidance to under-represented groups both during the application process, and throughout the period of funded study.

Applicants must apply via the Scholarships Application Portal (please see Scholarships Application Portal - Applicant Guide for more information).The funding opportunity is under 'College of Social Sciences Postgraduate Research Funding > COSS-25-016'), uploading the following documentation:

• AHRC CDA Studentship (Reading Well) Application form (in Word format)
• Academic transcripts (All relevant Undergraduate and Master’s level degree transcripts (and translations, if not originally in English) – provisional transcripts are sufficient if you are yet to complete your degree).
• Academic Prizes
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) (academic where applicable)
• Academic Writing Sample of approximately 3,000 words. If you are unsure about how to choose your writing sample, please email the contact below to discuss.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed by the project team. Shortlisted applicants may be requested to attend an Interview.

All scholarship awards are subject to candidates successfully securing admission to a PhD programme in the School of Education. Successful applicants will be invited to apply for admission to the relevant PhD programme after they are selected for funding.

Closing Date: 26 May 2025

For more information contact: Melanie.RamdarshanBold@glasgow.ac.uk