Alex Theophilus

My background is in the social sciences, with a Bachelors degree in Criminology/Sociology and a Masters degree in Social Science Research Methods. I gained further teaching qualifications in teaching adults and English as a second language before working as a teacher in the UK and for a time in Spain, teaching English to speakers of other languages and the social sciences. I then moved on to working in public policy in various government departments and arms-length bodies, including the Department for Education, Judicial Office, Welsh Government and DEFRA, with highlights including working with the senior judiciary on criminal justice policy during the COVID pandemic and a successful spending bid to fund extra early help services.?

My research explores how young men living in coastal communities engage with music to facilitate their wellbeing. It has been done through using a mixed methods research framework. The first study consisted of eight semi-structured interviews with young men in Cornwall. A second study, consisting of a survey, is currently being undertaken. My research is funded by LAHP.

I have always wanted to make the transition into research. I enjoy learning, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned to play the piano again and became interested in the relationship between music and wellbeing, inspiring me to draft the research proposal for this project.? 

I have really enjoyed the first year of my PhD journey and since starting I have presented and chaired at a variety of events and conferences, both in College and further afield. In 2025, this included a short exchange at the Kungliga Musikhögskolan in Stockholm, Sweden, and presenting at the SEMPRE annual conference in Manchester.

In my free time, I enjoy walking, learning Spanish, travelling and exploring, playing and listening to music, and my new fascination – horse riding! 

Faculties / departments: Research

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