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.

Apply
Webinars and events
Register for updates

Key course information

Entry requirements
See full entry requirements
Start date
April 2027
Attendance
Full-time
Duration
4 years
UK fees
£5,238*
Overseas fees
£24,900
Subject area
Health sciences, nursing and midwifery
Funding
Funding information

Why choose this programme?

  • 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.
Find out more information

Statistics

6th in the UK

For research power in our allied health professions research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Course details

Open Close

What you will study

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.

Assessment

You’ll complete a confirmation process 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.

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.

Location

Our medicine, paramedic science, nursing and midwifery, and CPD and PhD health sciences courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road) on the ºÚÁÏÉç Research Park.

Research areas

Open Close

Research themes

We’re addressing global healthcare priorities and generating evidence to underpin effective, compassionate and integrated healthcare, working in partnership with healthcare providers, governments and businesses. Our research investigates:

  • Cancer care
  • Digital health
  • Long-term conditions and ageing
  • Maternal, child and family health
  • Workforce, organisation and wellbeing.

Research expert groups

Patient lying in a hospital bed

Cancer Care

Digital Health

Long-term Conditions and Ageing

Maternal, Child and Family Health

Workforce, Organisation and Wellbeing

Academic staff

Open Close

Throughout your studies you’ll have at least two supervisors from the School of Health Sciences.

Your supervisors will have expertise relevant to your research project, and will give you academic guidance and tuition, helping you develop your research ideas and plans, underpinning your theory and understanding of methodology and analysis. They’ll also give you pastoral support and advice, referring you to more specialist services where necessary.

Support and facilities

Open Close

Research support

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.

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, 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.

Facilities

Our multimillion-pound facilities give you access to the latest industry equipment, including our Clinical Simulation Centre which features two large wards, a critical care unit, a community flat and an ambulance bay.

Depending on the nature of your research project you may also use other University facilities, including our 5G/6G Innovation Centre for the development of innovative health technologies, and the Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory.

You may also have access to external facilities and equipment if your project is in collaboration with one of our 800+ partners, which includes four local NHS trusts.

Hear from our students

Open Close

Entry requirements

Open Close

UK qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree (2:1 or above) in a health-related or social sciences discipline is required. Candidates with a 2:2 degree may also be considered if they hold a masters degree with a research component.
  • A masters degree with a research component is highly desirable. Candidates without an MSc may be considered if they demonstrate substantial equivalent research or professional experience in health-related fields.
  • We welcome applicants with strong methodological expertise who can show a clear interest in applying their skills to health-related research.

Country-specific qualifications

International students in the United Kingdom

View more country-specific information
Loading...
Find your country requirements

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6 in each individual category.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

  • Meeting the expected entry requirements and providing all relevant documents including a satisfactory research proposal
  • Being shortlisted through the application screening process
  • Completing a successful interview
  • Providing suitable references.

Fees and funding

Open Close

Fees per year

Explore  website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

* Please note: any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Fee options

UK
£5,238
Overseas
£24,900
UK
£2,619
Overseas
£12,500
UK
£2,619
Overseas
£12,500
UK
£5,238
Overseas
£24,900
UK
£2,619
Overseas
£12,500
UK
£2,619
Overseas
£12,500
UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
£25,900
UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
£13,000
UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
£13,000
UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
£25,900
UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
£13,000
UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
£13,000
  • Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at ºÚÁÏÉç.

Funding

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Register for updates

Open Close

Apply

Open Close

How to apply

Prior to making a formal application, in the first instance, please email a copy of your CV, outline research proposal of your intended study and funding details copied to both Dr Freda Mold (freda.mold@surrey.ac.uk) and Dr Jenny Harris (jen.harris@surrey.ac.uk).

Due to the high volume of enquiries from prospective applicants, staff may not be able to respond to all enquiries. If you have not received a response within six weeks of your original email, please assume that your proposal cannot be considered at this time.

What to include in your outline research proposal

The outline research proposal should comprise of an introduction, outline research question, aims/objectives and methods between 5-7 pages, plus references.

By providing us with an outline we are better able to identify available academic supervisors who might share your interests.

Application process

Applicants should contact potential supervisors before submitting an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.

Apply online

To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.

  1. Select your course

    Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

  2. Sign in

    Create an account and sign into our application portal.

Health Sciences PhD

Full-time, April 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 17 January 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time, April 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 17 January 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time with Distance Learning, April 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 17 January 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Full-time, July 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 16 April 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time, July 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 16 April 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time with Distance Learning, July 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 16 April 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Full-time, October 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 11 July 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time, October 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 11 July 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time with Distance Learning, October 2027

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 11 July 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Full-time, January 2028

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 10 October 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time, January 2028

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 10 October 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

Health Sciences PhD

Part-time with Distance Learning, January 2028

Status

Applications:
open
Closing date:
Sunday 10 October 2027
Select

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

ºÚÁÏÉç the ºÚÁÏÉç

Manor Park accommodation

Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 5,750 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

MyºÚÁÏÉç Nest

Student life

At ºÚÁÏÉç we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current ºÚÁÏÉç student online.

Code of practice for research degrees

ºÚÁÏÉç’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the ºÚÁÏÉç, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.

We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.