Health in Social Science Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The PhD Health in Social Science provides the opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research in an area that explores health and wellbeing through the lens of arts and humanities practice and knowledge.

The programme offers a focus on innovative and cross-disciplinary health and social care research. From these perspectives we examine the overlapping concerns of research, policy and practice in health and social care. 

We welcome projects using a range of research designs and have special interests in qualitative and collaborative research and innovative methods. We are keen to encourage research around the interface between social and cultural aspects of health, and the policy and practice contexts of healthcare delivery.

We conduct research across multiple settings, including:

* communities

* health and social care

* the education system

Some of our research initiatives are deeply rooted in specialised subject areas, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and expertise within these fields.

The PhD offers the opportunity to gain advanced understanding of a range of research designs, approaches to data collection and data analysis within qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies in the context of health and social science. The programme will enable you to develop your understanding of debates about research, evidence and practice in relation to health studies and related disciplines.  

Alongside taught courses, the PhD programme allows you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. Over the course of your studies you will gain experience in designing and conducting research and writing up and critically reflecting on your work and that of others in the field. 

The PhD programme offers the possibility to work with and be supervised by our staff in Health in Social Science who offer a focus on innovative and cross-disciplinary health and social care research. 

Every project is different, so supervision is geared to work to your needs in terms of working patterns and specific training requirements. Each student is supported by two supervisors who provide expert guidance to help you develop your thesis. Students are also encouraged to consult any other member of staff whose work or interests may be relevant to their own. All students are expected to undertake research training as specified by their supervisors, and as relevant to their topic.