Creative PEC is led by Newcastle University, with the RSA.
Key details:
- Award duration: 3 years full-time
- Start date: January 2026
- Application closing date: 14/11/2025
Newcastle University Business School invites applications for a three-year PhD studentship for full-time students undertaking a PhD in Economics, starting their studies in January 2026. We welcome applications in economics using applied econometric methods, with an interest in the health and well-being benefits of arts engagement. This scholarship is part of a wider investment by the University in the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC).
Arts engagement can be extended to include various forms of participation in arts, culture and heritage (ACH), and creative industries. Applicants may wish to focus on the consumption of one or various forms of engagement to address health inequalities.
Possible additional broad strands to integrate with cultural economics and creative industries may include:
- Institutional economics, social capital and social cohesion
- Creative health and mental health outcomes
- Socio-economic and gender inequalities, and social policy issues
- Subjective well-being and other life-satisfaction measures
- Sports
- Environmental economics and sustainability issues
Supervised by Dr Sarah Najm and Professor John Wildman, the successful candidate is expected to develop their own research project within this broad theme. We encourage projects that combine rigorous economic analysis with innovative approaches to measuring cultural participation and health/well-being outcomes.
This area of research addresses topical policy concerns about cost-effective approaches to reduce health inequalities while increasing engagement in ACH and creative industries for all.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Sarah Najm (sarah.najm@newcastle.ac.uk).
Full details can be found on the Newcastle University website.
