Barriers and benefits in the adoption of a plant-based diet

The health of the UK population is constantly being challenged with rising obesity in both adults and children. It is harder to main a healthy diet with the culture of convenience reducing the need for households preparing their own meals when they can order their favourite dishes and have them delivered to their home at the push of a button. However, there has been an increase in the popularity of plant-based diets and plant-based processed foods are becoming more easily available in supermarkets and online. Little is known about the nutritional quality of plant-based processed foods, their contribution to plant-based diets and acceptability. <br /> <br /> The aim of this PhD study is to understand what the challenges are of adopting a plant-based diet by examining:<br /> <br /> (i) differences in the perception of healthy eating amongst consumers with different dietary patterns and how it affects their food choice,<br /> (ii) influences of psychological factors and the food environment,<br /> (iii) attitudes towards plant-based diets and willingness of adopting more sustainable and healthy diets, <br /> (iv) the nutritional quality of plant-based processed foods and their contribution towards a healthy diet.<br /> <br />

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/prospective_students/apply/I_want_to_apply.html">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Barriers and benefits in the adoption of a plant-based diet</strong> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/food-nutrition/staff/7145/dr-peter-ho">Dr Peter Ho</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This project is not funded and potential students are expected either to self-fund or apply for competitive funding.</p>

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Peter Ho by email: <a href="mailto:p.ho@leeds.ac.uk">p.ho@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p>