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The psychology of outdoor advertising

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
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Overview

This interdisciplinary project explores the mental health and environmental impacts of outdoor advertising, focusing on meat and dairy. In partnership with Adfree Cities, it combines quantitative methods, experimental design and computational modelling to generate evidence for policy change.

About this opportunity

This interdisciplinary project investigates the health and environmental impacts of outdoor advertising, with a focus on meat and dairy promotion. In partnership with Adfree Cities, the student will investigate: (1) the link between advertising exposure and mental health using large-scale secondary data and modelling; (2) how advertising shapes social norms for meat and dairy consumption; and (3) whether counter-advertising campaigns (subvertising) can shift perceptions and consumption of meat and dairy products. The student will receive advanced training in quantitative analysis, experimental design, and computational modelling*, and benefit from close collaboration with researchers and policy advocates. The project will contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations related to advertising, public health and environmental sustainability. The project will involve working closely with our non-academic partner, Adfree Cities.

Successful applicants will either (dependent on experience) complete:

– a 3.5 year fully funded PhD studentship

– a 1+3.5 year fully funded Masters (1 year), followed by the 3.5 year PhD studentship

This project will be based in the Department of Psychology at the University of Liverpool.

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Who is this for?

Applicants should:

– have an undergraduate or masters degree in psychology or other relevant quantitative subject

– be excited about the opportunity to work with a non-academic partner (Adfree Cities) to bring about real-world impact of their research

-be comfortable using and learning about quantitative data analysis

*applicants with less experience of more advanced quantitative methods, such as computational modelling are welcome, but would likely be required to complete the 1+3.5 option.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Supervisors

    Dr Charlotte Buckley – 

    https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/charlotte-buckley

    Professor Eric Robinson – 

    https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/eric-robinson

    Dr Matthew Thomas – 

    https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/matthew-thomas

    Nicola Wilks – 

    https://adfreecities.org.uk/author/nicola/

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Funding your PhD

This project is fully funded by a NWSSDTP CASE studentship. Funding covers tuition fees and a monthly stipend, set at the standard UKRI rate (full time £19,237 in 2024/25)

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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