PhD Palliative Care at Lancaster University

Programme overview

The PhD in Palliative Care at Lancaster University is a flexible, part-time doctoral programme designed for people who want to make an original contribution to palliative and end-of-life care 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. Palliative care research is increasingly important and timely.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Medicine | Department: Division of Health Research | Duration: Part time 4 - 7 years | Study mode: part-time | Location: Lancaster, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Autumn Induction Academy, Palliative Care: History, Policy and Practice, Philosophy of Research, Theory and Methods: Choices for Health Research. Year 2 core modules: Data Analysis, Principles of Research Design and Practical Research Ethics, Systematic Approaches to Literature Reviews and Evidence Synthesis.

Career pathways

Graduates of Lancaster University's PhD in Palliative Care have progressed to senior leadership roles across academia, clinical practice, research and hospice care, demonstrating the programme's strong contribution to building international research capacity in palliative and end-of-life care. Alumni include Dr Jane Lowers, who is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Palliative Medicine at Emory University, leading research on palliative care delivery and dementia; Dr Naveen Salins, who is Professor of Palliative Medicine and Associate Dean for Research at Manipal Academy of Higher Education and was recognised with Lancaster University's Outstanding Alumni Award for his international contributions to palliative care; and Dr Poh Heng Chong, who has become a research mentor supporting hospice colleagues to develop and publish research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Academic requirements: 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject and relevant work experience. Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, where there is evidence of relevant professional experience and/or other learning that demonstrates the potential to succeed on the programme. Additional requirements: As part of your application you will also need to provide a 500 word research proposal. Guidance for writing a research proposal can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage. The department plans to interview all eligible applicants. The application deadline for this programme is the 28th July. Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted by this date. English language requirements: We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Home fee for 2026/27 (UK Research Councils standard fee level, full-time); the following year's fee is not yet set Source

International applicants: GBP 29,300 a year (2027/28). Full-time rate (per year) Source

Duration: Part time 4 - 7 years

Apply through the official page: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying-for-postgraduate-study/

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