PhD Health at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in health or social care. A PhD programme includes allocation to a bespoke supervisory team to advise and guide each student through all aspects of their study. In addition, each student has access to a wide range of learning opportunities within the Graduate School and the University as a whole.

Faculty: Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences | Department: Nursing and Midwifery, Health Professions | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time; 4-7 years distance learning | Study mode: full-time/online/part-time | Intake: September 2026, February 2027, May 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Career pathways

Doctoral level qualifications are increasingly recognised in clinical and health related career pathways. If you are a practitioner, you might move into a research –focused role in your practice setting, including managing research programmes; lead on mobilising knowledge into practice; or build on your experience to promote improvements in practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applications for research degrees are assessed on the following criteria: that the proposed research seems likely to satisfy the academic requirements of a research degree; that the proposed research is feasible in practical terms; that you seem likely to be able to cope with the academic demands of a research degree; that the Faculty is able to provide the appropriate supervisory expertise and resources. PhD applicants will normally be expected to hold a Master's degree in a relevant area. Once assessed, you will be either invited to a formal enrolment interview or asked to revise your application and resubmit it.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 15,420 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2026, February 2027, May 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time; 4-7 years distance learning

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Health Sciences