Sheffield Hallam University – Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Scholarship in the Sheffield Business School: Vitamin D status in South Asian and African-Caribbeans living in Northern England

Applications are invited for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD scholarships in the Sheffield Business School, commencing 1 October 2025.

The GTA scholarship scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers with further information on the University’s PhD scholarships available in the Conditions of Award document.

Sheffield Business School

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Project title: Vitamin D status in South Asian and African-Caribbeans living in Northern England

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in UK-dwelling South Asians (SA) (Darling et al., 2021) and Black African-Caribbeans (AC) (Vearing et al., 2021) has been reported. Possible explanations include low vitamin D intake, low supplement use (Adegboye et al., 2020), exposure to sunlight (Kotta et al, 2015) and darker skin pigmentation (Libon et al., 2013).

Multiple adverse health outcomes are associated with poor vitamin D status, including fatigue, bone and muscle pain, osteopenia, osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures (SACN, 2016). Poor status may also be associated with non-musculoskeletal health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (SACN, 2016). This suggests SA and AC populations living in the UK might be at significant risk of excess morbidity.

SACN suggest there is insufficient evidence regarding vitamin D status in SA and ACs to justify a separate recommendation for vitamin D supplementation (SACN, 2016). This calls for more research on the vitamin D status and requirements of UK-dwelling SA and AC populations (Vearing et al., 2021). Factors and behaviours associated with vitamin D status also vary geographically across the UK (Darling et al., 2021). Region focussed research is therefore required for more targeted culturally appropriate local public health strategies to correct deficiency and reduce health inequalities.

The proposed PhD will include the first prospective, observational and comparative study in Northern England to characterise the vitamin D status, dietary intake of vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation use and habitual sunlight exposure in UK-dwelling SA and AC. It will also investigate consumer behaviour and social and cultural practices towards food consumption, particularly relevant to vitamin D.

Possible objectives:

–       Assess cultural and social practices relevant to vitamin D supplement use in UK-dwelling SAs and ACs

–       Measure vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and determine seasonal vitamin D status in these sub-groups

–       Assess the relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in each sub-group

–       Determine seasonal dietary vitamin D intake, supplement use and summer sunlight exposure in these sub-groups

Methodology:

First phase: A questionnaire will be distributed to local community groups and university students to assess sociodemographic information, knowledge of vitamin D requirements, supplement use, cultural and social practices and consumer behaviour relevant to vitamin D. Follow-up interviews with a subset of participants to explore barriers to supplement use.

Second phase: a comparative observational study to assess seasonal vitamin D concentration, dietary vitamin D intake, sunlight exposure, supplement use and BMD. The findings will be compared to data for UK Caucasians.

Supervisors: Dr Simon Bowles, Dr Tony Lynn, Professor Sunil Sahadev

If you are interested in this project, and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact Dr Simon Bowles ([email protected]).

GTA scholarships are open to Home, EU and International applicants. The scholarship is for three and a half years full-time study (pro-rata part-time) and covers PhD fees and pays an annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate of £20,974 per year in 2024/25.

To apply you need to meet our entry requirements and provide:

·      A complete online application form for the October 2025 intake, available here. This includes:

·      A research proposal. Maximum word count: 1,500 words.

·      A personal statement. We want to learn more about you. In the personal statement you must answer these four questions. Please include the title of the project you are applying for in the Personal Statement section of the application form. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question and including specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional):

1.    What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project?

2.    How did you come up with your project proposal?

3.    What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you?

4.    Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences.

·      Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts (All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 minimum) and/or a relevant master’s qualification (merit minimum)).

·      Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.

·      Copies of your passport and any relevant visas.

International Students

International students* will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through:

1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme’s start date; or

2. Educated with a UK Master’s degree level (merit minimum) within two years preceding your doctoral programme’s start date.

* UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you’re a national of one of these countries, you won’t need to provide evidence as listed above.

For further information regarding our entry requirements, please visit the course page.

Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University, whilst in receipt of the scholarship.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon (BST) on Wednesday 23^rd April 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 2^nd June.

Please e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions.