Mental Health Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Study a part-time, online PhD in mental health

The Mental Health PhD at Lancaster University is a flexible, part-time doctoral programme designed for people who want to make an original contribution to mental health research without stepping away from their current role or existing commitments.

Delivered primarily online, the programme combines expert academic supervision, structured research training and optional face-to-face academies, making it suitable for students based across the UK and internationally.

Whether you work in healthcare, education, public services, local government, research or the voluntary sector, this doctorate allows you to investigate real-world mental health challenges while developing advanced research expertise. The programme explores diverse areas of mental health, including workplace wellbeing, public mental health, clinical practice and the relationship between physical and mental health.

Reasons to choose Lancaster for your Mental Health PhD

* Flexible online study that fits around professional or personal commitments

* Supervision from internationally recognised mental health researchers with 15 years’ experience of delivering quality online education

* A structured programme combining taught research methods with independent doctoral research

* Join a global network of like-minded students

* Benefit from Lancaster University’s connections with healthcare providers, policy makers and third-sector organisations

* Gain input from people with lived experience of mental health conditions as part of the taught programme

The course begins with a five-day induction academy at our Lancaster campus. This event is a great opportunity to build your network of fellow students and meet your supervisors face-to-face. While we strongly encourage you to attend in person to gain the full benefit of this event, joining online is possible if you are unable to travel.

About our mental health research

Wellbeing is shaped by many different contexts and, because of this, our mental health research expertise spans a wide range of areas.

We take a broad and inclusive approach to mental health, drawing on research from academics working across areas such as organisational health and wellbeing and public mental health within our teaching

As a community of researchers and students, we also explore clinical mental health and the complex interplay between physical and mental health.

Our work employs a diverse set of innovative methods, including randomised controlled trials, realist evaluations, qualitative and quantitative research and other cutting-edge approaches. Supported by grants from national and international funders, we undertake ambitious research that aims to advance knowledge and improve lives.

What will you learn?

Our relationships with those who provide mental health services – for example, in the UK this includes the NHS and the voluntary sector - combine with our staffs’ current research interests to inform the content of our modules.

Years 1 and 2

During the first two years, you'll complete online taught modules that will develop the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills you need for doctoral research.

Topics include:

* Mental health theory and practice

* Research philosophy

* Research design

* Systematic reviews

* Data analysis

* Research ethics

* Advanced research management

Years 3 and beyond

From the third year onwards, your focus will shift to an original research project that addresses an important issue within your professional or academic area of interest.

By graduation, you'll have developed expertise in:

* Independent research design

* Critical evaluation of mental health evidence

* Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods

* Academic writing and publication

* Producing original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of mental health