Notions of ‘family’ in neonatal care: taking account of family diversity in contemporary society

ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship University of Leicester and Bliss

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent. 

The University of Leicester, as part of Midlands Graduate School, is inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship, in association with our collaborative partner Bliss, the UK’s leading charity for babies born needing neonatal care. The studentship will commence in October 2026 and be for a period of 3.5 – 4 years, depending on prior training.

This studentship will extend analysis of family-centred care beyond existing biomedical approaches by exploring the notions of family that underpin neonatal care, and their implications for equitable access to safe, respectful care.  The idea of family, as commonly imagined in neonatal care practices, tends not to reflect the diverse reality of families who experience neonatal care in the UK. Applying a sociological lens and using a range of qualitative methods (including ethnography, narrative interviews and creative methods), the studentship will explore the assumptions underpinning the organisation and delivery of neonatal care, and how this shapes the experiences of families. There is scope for the student to shape the final focus of the project in dialogue with supervisors. The studentship offers opportunities to work collaboratively with Bliss. The student will contribute to Bliss’ work on health inequalities in neonatal care while gaining understanding of third sector working and transferable skills in influencing health policy.

Supervisors: Professor Nicola Mackintosh, Professor Nicky Hudson (Loughborough University), Dr. Julie Roberts, Dr Eilis Boyle, Policy & Research Officer, Bliss 

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online here:  https://forms.office.com/e/BLpn4GFnZV

• Applicants will be required to upload an anonymised CV, anonymised cover letter, and transcripts as part of the online application process.

Application deadline: Thursday 26th February 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 9th March

Entry requirements:

• Candidates should hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelors) degree in a relevant subject OR 
• An equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. 
• Candidates applying to the 1-year MSc + 3.5-year PhD should hold or expect to hold an undergraduate degree or overseas equivalent 
• University of Leicester English language requirements apply Eligibility:
• UK/EU and International* applicants may apply

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP  
 
Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/. 
 
Informal enquiries about the studentship prior to application can be directed to Professor Nici Mackintosh nicola.mackintosh@leicester.ac.uk  or Dr Julie Roberts  julie.roberts@leicester.ac.uk