Health Sciences PhD

• Work in partnership with healthcare providers, governments and businesses to address global healthcare priorities and generate evidence to underpin effective, compassionate and integrated healthcare
• Join our team of researchers who have been conducting health-related research for over 30 years
• Embrace a ‘patient focused’ philosophy, working to improve the delivery of healthcare nationally and internationally
• Work alongside academic staff who are engaged in leading healthcare research, and whose work drives and reflects change in clinical practice.

On our PhD, you’ll complete research into your chosen area of interest over a period of four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time).

Your first year will lay the foundation for your research project. You’ll work closely with your supervisors to review literature and develop your research proposal. You may start negotiating access for sites and settings for data collection or consider applying for ethical approval from us and the NHS.

During your second and third years, you’ll conduct fieldwork, collect your data and begin to analyse this. During your final year, you’ll continue to analyse your data and write up your findings, in preparation for your thesis submission.

Throughout your PhD, you’ll gain substantial subject expertise and an in-depth understanding of research methodology and design. You’ll also develop transferable skills in public speaking, drafting proposals and writing for publications.

Our current students are researching topics including:

• Reducing digital disadvantage in older people during the Covid-19 pandemic: the role of families and carers at increasing technology acceptance and use
• The role of medicine management activities in the implementation of paramedic advanced practice.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

You’ll have a confirmation assessment to formally review your project. If you're a full-time student, this will take place around 12-15 months into your studies or 24-30 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners.

Progress reviews 

In addition to the confirmation process you’ll have six-monthly progress reviews with your supervisors. These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on your progress, discuss successes and challenges and set targets for the next six months. These reviews will be monitored by postgraduate research directors and recorded on your student record. 

You’ll also have at least one formal meeting with your supervisors every month. The regularity of these will depend on the nature and stage of your project. 

Professional development 

Our Health Sciences PhD is aimed at healthcare professionals looking to undertake research at the highest level. It’s particularly suited for health psychologists, midwives, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists and social scientists.

You'll be joining a thriving doctoral community of postgraduate research students who meet weekly and offer peer-support in informal student-led support groups. You’ll also be invited to join one or more of our theme and/or cluster research groups, and benefit from guest speakers and facilitators, both from within the University and externally.

We also run training to equip you with contemporary healthcare knowledge and research skills, which includes seminars, writing groups and research methods tuition. 

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.