Examining professional practice with intersex service users in health and social care (HHS-2026-20)

About the project

About the Project Intersex is an umbrella term for people whose sex characteristics do not fit with those considered typical for males and females, including chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs. In recent years, global bodies have highlighted human rights concerns around the status of intersex people across the world.Research also indicates widespread stigma, erasure, and discrimination of those with variations of sex characteristics (VSC). At present, there is minimal research focusing on health and social care and social work with intersex people in the UK. This project will explore professionals’ understandings around what intersex is and the potential needs of this service user group. It will examine what professional practices are currently in place within their settings and what teaching or training they have received. The objectives of this study are to: Examine health and social care professionals’ understandings of intersex, including how they conceptualise variations in sex characteristics and intersex identities. Explore professionals’ perceptions of the needs, vulnerabilities, and rights of intersex service users within health and social care settings. Identify current practices, organisational pathways, and decision‑making processes used when working with intersex individuals. Investigate the extent and nature of any training, education, or professional development relating to intersex issues. Highlight gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improving inclusive, ethical, and rights‑based practice. The study will develop evidence that can inform policy, workforce training, and professional standards, to better support intersex service users. This will be a qualitative research project, and we encourage potential applicants to bring their own methodological ideas to the study. It is envisaged that semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups will be undertaken with a wide variety of relevant health and social care professionals. Issues around epistemic justice must also be considered when conducting this research. Intersex researchers are especially encouraged to apply. For subject specific enquiries please contact: kate.wood@hud.ac.uk We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application. Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Eligibility: These scholarships are open to UK applicants only ; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered. Location: Huddersfield/Online Funding: Fee waiver Duration: 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time Application Details To apply please submit the documents listed below to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk in full by Friday 30 th October 2026 , including the following documents: A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for. A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/ Full CV Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications. Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by Friday 6 th November 2026). Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Research areas