Research Degree (PhD) | Health Sciences University

PhD

Research Degree (PhD)

MPhil/PhD

Make a lasting impact on the healthcare of tomorrow by undertaking your own original research, supervised by experienced leading healthcare professionals.

Student studying
Course Title Research Degree (PhD)
Qualification MPhil/PhD
Study Mode Full-time / part-time
Typical Offer First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree and/or Master's Degree
Duration MPhil: 1.5 - 2 years Full-time or 3 - 4 years Part-time / PhD: 2 - 3 years Full-time or 4 - 6 years Part-time
Start Date October Entry
Location Parkwood Campus - combination of attendance and distance learning

Overview


Do you have a proposal for research that could make an original contribution to healthcare knowledge and go on to improve the health of our society?

Our Research Degree (PhD), offered in partnership with and awarded by Solent University, could be your opportunity to undertake valuable original research, supported by our experienced academic team.

Choosing to undertake your PhD with us means you’ll experience the many benefits of being part of a specialist health sciences university. We train a wide range of health-related professionals and, uniquely, provide multiple clinical services. Our students have access to highly specialised on-site facilities, such as our Integrated Rehabilitation Centre and Open Upright MRI, within which a range of health-related research is embedded. Our specialised and experienced staff will become your supervisory team and support your research, training and academic development.

We have funding available via competition for fully-funded studentships or fee-waiver support for UK home students. To find out more, please see our Postgraduate Research Projects page.

Postgraduate Research Projects

PhD Scholarship with Graduate Teaching Assistantship (Chiropractic) Opportunity

The Royal College of Chiropractors and AECC University College have jointly funded a PhD scholarship with associated Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position and are seeking applications from outstanding doctoral candidates with clear potential to excel as academic teachers and researchers in the field of chiropractic.

For more details, download our description document below

Download JD

 

Please note:

  • Applications for postgraduate research projects are now closed for 2024 and will re-open later in the year for 2025.

Course Details


 

 

Why study for a Research Degree at Health Sciences University?

During your degree you’ll not only have access to our wide range of teaching facilities but our world-class academic and clinical staff too. Research Degree (PhD) students have the opportunity to get experience in a range of places including our on-site clinics, which includes our £4.5m Integrated Rehabilitation Centre, specialised clinical imaging facilities and student-led clinics, such as podiatry and chiropractic.

Focused Health Research

We have an internationally recognised team of researchers in many health-related subject areas including musculoskeletal health, medical imaging, rehabilitation, health promotion, osteopathy, psychology and sport. As we develop our growing portfolio and expertise, as an institution, emerging areas are digital health, health education and patient-centred care.

Innovative

We are a specialist health sciences University and our research strategy reflects our goal to position ourselves as a first-choice partner for research and innovation in health sciences. We are keen to attract and support talented graduates and experienced clinicians in helping us reach that goal.

Great Facilities

Our campus has two large clinics serving our local community including an established musculoskeletal condition focused clinic seeing around 1000 patients per week and our Integrated Rehabilitation Centre. This patient base provides a valuable resource for clinical studies and service evaluations combining research, health education and health provision all on one site.

Our Community

With a strong team based across our Bournemouth and London sites, we’re a well-connected and integrated community of students, academic and clinical staff. This encourages’ cross-disciplinary research ideas. We have professional links with our local health care community and have a network of researchers we collaborate with both nationally and internationally.

Natural Beauty & Great Connections

Health Sciences University Parkwood Campus is situated on the south coast of England and is a 5-minute walk from the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth. We are close to two national parks and the world heritage site of the Jurassic Coast. We are a 2-hour train ride from London with two international airports (Bournemouth and Southampton) less than 30 miles away.

Our London campus is situated on London Borough High street, offering unparalleled access to the vibrant heart of the capital. Surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Borough Market, students benefit from a dynamic cultural hub. Excellent transport links ensure easy exploration of London’s diverse attractions. From historic sites to culinary delights, the area provides an enriching experience for students seeking academic excellence in a vibrant city setting.

Key Research Areas

We have expertise in chiropractic, psychology and mental health, physiotherapy, sport exercise and health sciences, dietetics, podiatry, radiography, ultrasound, breast imaging, clinical reporting, sport rehabilitation, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. You can find  our latest research taking place in our academic schools on our institutional repository.

Our research is focused around two broad themes:

  1. Helping people to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life through non-pharmacological treatments and interventions.
  2. Enabling people and teams to improve their performance.

We will support PhD projects that contribute towards these themes. If you’re passionate about generating knowledge and innovation that impacts the healthcare of tomorrow, our Research Degree programme provides the opportunity to undertake original research related to health sciences.

You can apply to study a PhD with us by proposing your own idea for a research project or you can apply to one of the projects proposed by our academic schools.

Research

As a specialist health sciences university, we train a wide range of health-related professionals and uniquely also provide multiple clinical services. These are both private or in partnership with the NHS and independent health care sector, with access to highly specialised facilities such as our Integrated Rehabilitation Centre and Open Upright MRI within which a range of health-related research is embedded.

We also have a number of pre-defined research projects to which we are inviting applications.

Our experienced staff will become your supervisory team and support your research, training and academic development.

Assessment Process

The major progression points are a transfer from MPhil to PhD as outlined in the programme regulations and student handbook and a final PhD viva voce exam after submission of the PhD thesis.

In addition to these major research degree milestones, the experience and academic progress of research students in formally monitored once a year via an Annual Monitoring process which involves a Progress Review.

Expected Learning

During the first year of the programme there will be a requirement for candidates to complete a PGCert in Research Methods which will include attending a number of sessions at our validating partner institution, Solent University.

Although there may be the option to predominantly attend these sessions remotely, some face-to-face attendance will be required.

This is designed to bring all candidates up to a minimum standard with research methods and is there to ensure doctoral students have a sufficient grounding in the range of research methods and skills required for a PhD.

Your studies will be centred at Health Sciences University, with your supervisory team agreeing key degree milestones as laid out by the Health Sciences University regulations and student handbook.

Structure of Study

The MPhil/PhD will be predominately autonomous learning, with guidance and support from your PhD supervisory team on-site.

Staff


Our experienced academic team

Learn more about the course lead; Professor Dave Newell and view the courses potential supervisors below.

Course Leader

Professor Dave Newell

BSc, PgCert, PhD, FRCC (Hon), FEAC - Professor of Integrated Musculoskeletal Care and Health Sciences University Doctoral Coordinator

Full bio

Entry Requirements


How do I apply?

How do I apply?

To enrol on our MPhil/PhD programme, students will initially register for MPhil with possibility of transfer to PhD, on satisfactory completion of all applicable monitoring requirements as presented in the Postgraduate Research Handbook.

We have several options of support for applicants to the October 2024 Research Degrees intake:

  • We are offering UK home students two full-time fully funded PhD Studentships which will provide successful applicants with a stipend for years 1-3 of study in line with UKRI minimum rates. This will also include tuition fees for years 1-3 of study.
  • We are also offering fee-waivers for up to three UK home students for the duration of their studies (3 years full-time and 6 years part-time).
  • Self-funded students are still welcome to apply to study a research degree with us. Self-funded projects are open to home and international students. Please see guidance on how to apply as a self-funded student below

There is one entry point in October of any year. To be considered for October 2024, completed applications must be received by 30 June 2024.

To apply for one of the Studentship or fee-waive opportunities above, please see the relevant section below. Applications should be submitted via the online application system (see guidance on how to apply below). When applying, please make it clear whether you are applying for a studentship, fee waive support or plan to self-fund your study.

In your application, please also detail whether you are applying to one of the advertised research projects, or whether you are proposing your own research project. If you are proposing your own project, please make contact with your potential supervisors before applying, to discuss your proposed project.

Please note, international students will normally require a student visa to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with applying for a visa, so please ensure you have the means to meet these costs before you apply to the Research Degree programme. For more information for international students, please see our Visas and Immigration pages.

For general questions on Postgraduate Research Degree entry requirements or to register your interest in the course please use the contact form below.

How to apply for a funded studentship / fee waiver

How to apply for a funded studentship / fee waiver

Applicants must be either a British National, a British Citizen as defined by the British Nationality Act 1981, a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. A review of nationality and residency requirements may be conducted prior to an offer being made for security reasons.

Applications for a Studentship / fee waiver will be assessed based on the excellence of the candidate. Studentships / fee waive support will be awarded to outstanding candidates who meet the scheme eligibility criteria as outlined below.

Candidates should have research interests that align with our research strategy and/or the research projects advertised.

Eligibility criteria:

  1. Candidates must meet the standard qualifications entry criteria for PhD study (see below section)
  2. Candidates must be available to begin their PhD studies on 1st October 2024.
  3. Existing PhD students or staff at Health Sciences University, or candidates who already hold a doctoral level degree will not be eligible to apply.
  4. Only one application per applicant is permitted.
  5. Applications must be full and complete, and submitted by 30 June 2024 for consideration under the Studentship / fee waiver scheme.

Applications should be submitted via the online application system (see guidance on how to apply). When applying please make it clear whether you are applying for a studentship, fee waive support or plan to self-fund your study. Please clarify whether you are applying for full-time or part-time study.

In your application, please also detail whether you are applying to one of the advertised research projects, or whether you are proposing your own research project. If you are proposing your own project, please make contact with your potential supervisors before applying, to discuss your proposed project.

International Students

International Students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is necessary to demonstrate a satisfactory standard in English.

Applicants whose first degree is not English should provide evidence of successfully completing a first degree from a UK University or a degree that that been taught and assessed in English, or by holding an ILETS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component.

Please note: Only our self-funded opportunities are open to international students

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants for an MPhil/PhD should hold at least one of the following:

a) a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK University or a qualification which may be deemed equivalent by NARIC* and the admissions review panel;

or

b) a master’s degree from a UK University or a non UK qualification which may be deemed equivalent as above;

or

c) other qualifications, publications and/or appropriate professional training and experience which may be considered equivalent by the admissions review panel to one of the above.

*National Academic Recognition Information Centre

Supporting documentation for your application

If you want to apply to be a PhD student with us (through a studentship, fee waiver or self-funded) you can choose to submit your own project proposal or apply to one of our defined research projects, see the relevant guidance below.

Supporting documentation for your application

If you want to apply to be a PhD student with us (through a studentship, fee waiver, or self-funded) you can choose to submit your own project proposal or apply to one of our defined research projects. See the relevant guidance below.

Please upload the following documentation in support of your application:

  • Qualification transcripts / certificates (scanned copies can be submitted, but if your application is successful you will be required to present the originals at registration).
  • Photograph ID page of your passport.
  • A confirmation of funding letter, or guarantee form from your funder / employer (if your studies will be sponsored).
  • Two suitable references (normally at least one should be an academic reference).
  • CV
  • A personal statement detailing your experience and why you are suitable for postgraduate research study. Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.
  • Research proposal of c.2,000 – 4,000 words* which includes a proposed timeline of your research and bibliography.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.

*The research proposal should be 2,000-4,000 words and include the following:

If you are proposing your own research project:

  • Your project title and key research questions
  • An overview of the context into which your research will fit, including:
  1. The aims and objectives of your proposed research
  2. An overview of current literature that supports your proposed project,
  3. How it adds to, develops (or challenges) previous work by researchers in the field,
  4. Why the research is important to the subject area, and
  5. How you think the research will make an original contribution to knowledge.
  6. An outline of how the research will be achieved within the normal duration of a PhD.
  7. Consideration you have given to research methods, what research method(s) you propose to use, and your rationale for why these are appropriate to the project.
  8. Any consideration or discussion you have had with any prospective supervisors at Health Sciences University for the project (please note this is mandatory before proposing your own research project).
  9. Consideration of the sources, resources and / or facilities required to successfully complete the research. If the project will require access to external organisations or specialist facilities, the proposal should include details of how you intend to secure access to these for the required duration.
  10. An indicative bibliography demonstrating your critical grasp of current literature in the field and how you plan to contribute to it.
  11. Potential research dissemination and potential long-term impacts of the project.
  12. How your research interests are suitable to deliver the project successfully, and what makes you the ideal candidate for the project.

If you are applying for one of our funded studentships or fee waiver, please make this clear in your supporting statement.

Please note: Full-time students will be allocated up to £500 per year for research expenses (£250 per year for part-time students)

If you are applying for one of the listed research projects:

  • An outline that demonstrates your understanding of the research project, its goals, potential impact, and the approach you would take as the doctoral candidate to include:
  1. Why the research is important to the subject area, and
  2. How you think the research will make an original contribution to knowledge.
  3. An outline of how the research will be achieved within the normal duration of a PhD.
  4. Consideration you have given to research methods, what research method(s) you propose to use, and your rationale for why these are appropriate to the project.
  5. Consideration of the sources, resources and / or facilities required to successfully complete the research. If the project will require access to external organisations or specialist facilities, the proposal should include details of how you intend to secure access to these for the required duration.
  6. An indicative bibliography demonstrating your critical grasp of current literature in the field and how you plan to contribute to it.
  7. Potential research dissemination and potential long-term impacts of the project.
  8. How your research interests are suitable to deliver the project successfully, and what makes you the ideal candidate for the project.

 

Assessment process for applications

Assessment process for applications

Eligible applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • The applicant’s understanding of the project.
  • The applicant’s specific understanding of what will be involved in delivering the project.
  • The potential for the applicant to achieve academic and research excellence.
  • The applicant’s understanding of what a PhD entails and what it takes to be successful.
  • The proposal is aligned with HSU’s research themes and specialisms.

Those that are scored highly will result in the applicant being invited to an interview. Following the interviews, decisions will be made on which applications will be invited to study a research degree with us from October 2024, including which applications will be awarded the fully funded studentships and fee waivers. There is no right of appeal for the funding decisions.

Still have questions about applying?

Course Fees


Our current course costs for the Postgraduate Research Degree course 2024/25 entry* are per annum and are shown below.

Home/ROI/Channel Islands

£2,451 Part-time

£4,905 Full-time

International

£8,562 Part-time

£15,963 Full-time

Our tuition fees policy can be found here on our latest policies page.

Should you have any questions on course fees please see our Fees and Payment Information page or contact our admissions team on the form below.

There is an option to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan that can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Please note: These fees are for the 2024-25 academic year only and may be subject to increase in subsequent years of study. Any increase will be in line with our Tuition Fees Policy but will not be more than 5%.

Register your Interest


Register your Interest / Enquiry

Why choose Health Sciences University

There are many benefits to studying at Health Sciences University, from our expertise and history in teaching health sciences, to our state-of-the-art facilities, on-site clinical training, and of course our location on the beautiful Bournemouth coast.

Latest News

Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.

Autumnal tree

While you are a student with us at Health Sciences University, you’ll have access to our Student Support team who can help you to diagnose and manage your dyslexia.

Tylah Strauss

We recently caught up with Tylah to hear more about why she chose the online MSc Musculoskeletal Paediatric Health course.

AECC Logo White
© 2024 Health Sciences University | Company limited by guarantee | Registered in England No: 00653859 | VAT No: 896 1199 74 | Exempt Charity -