Lancaster University Faculty of Health & Medicine, Division of Health Research

The Division of Health Research at Lancaster University is committed to pursuing world-class research. It brings together a range of social science disciplines to tackle key challenges of the 21st century within health and medicine.

Lancaster University has been named International University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. Lancaster has also been ranked 8th overall in the league table securing a top ten place for the 4th consecutive year. Ranked third in our field in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework and equal first in 'research environment' and in the top 10 for 'research power', the Division of Health Research offers an ideal academic environment to study and to develop your research career. Our high quality research and our commitment to teaching and to working with the health and social care sector means that the Division is influencing practice and thinking across a broad spectrum of health and care environments.

We offer seven PhD programme streams in the Division of Health Research:

• PhD in Ageing
• PhD in Dementia Studies
• PhD in Health Economics and Policy
• PhD in Mental Health
• PhD in Organisational Health & Wellbeing
• PhD in Palliative Care
• PhD in Public Health 

Our PhD programmes are offered part-time via blended learning (a mixture of online teaching and annual residential academies) over a minimum of four and a maximum of seven years. Years 1 and 2 consist of taught modules delivered online that develop and consolidate students' research skills. The modules address theory, policy and practice relevant to the field of study as well as philosophical issues, research design, data analysis, systematic literature reviewing and research ethics. From Year 3 onwards, students undertake an independent research study, which will conclude with the submission of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge.

These PhD programmes provide an opportunity for future leaders in a range of health contexts to gain research skills as well as deep and critical insights into theory and research and how they impact policy and practice. The programmes are suitable for people working in health and related fields such as clinical work, education, research, pharmacological industry, health and safety, human resources, management, policy and advocacy.

Who should apply?

Our PhD programmes will be of interest to people who are working, or aspire to work, in the fields of ageing and dementia, health economics, mental health, public health, organisational health and palliative care, and who wish to pursue advanced studies and gain research skills. The PhD programmes are international in focus and not restricted to any one professional group or discipline.

How to apply

The standard minimum entry requirements are normally an upper second class honours degree, or a good Masters in an appropriate subject, and relevant work experience. Applicants are required to produce a brief outline of their intended research study and to write a personal statement detailing their motivation for undertaking a PhD. These documents need to be submitted together with an online application form. Information on the application process can be found here. 

Funding Opportunities

At this time there is no dedicated funding attached to the programmes. Self-funded students may wish to apply for a competitive studentship of £2,000 towards the tuition fees for the first year.

Further Information

Alex Macpherson
Postgraduate Programme Co-ordinator, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University
Email: fhmpgoffice@lancaster.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1524 593439
Web: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fhm/dhr/