PhD Health Policy at Swansea University

Programme overview

A PhD in Health Policy at Swansea University's School of Health and Social Care (Singleton Park Campus), exploring decision-making processes within health services in the UK and abroad.

Department: School of Health and Social Care | Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | Intake: October, January, April or July | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research on finance and service contracting, policy implementation studies, quality systems and public involvement. Recent student projects cover purchaser-provider reforms, national health insurance system design, the UK private medical insurance sector, and public and patient involvement.

Career pathways

A research degree can lead to a career in academia or to employment in education, government or the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD: a 2.1 undergraduate degree and a master's degree; applicants with a UK first-class honours degree and no master's are considered individually. MPhil: an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or equivalent non-UK qualification). English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5 (or recognised equivalent). One reference is required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2026/27). Full-time (PhD, 3 years); year 1 Source

Intake: October, January, April or July

Duration: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

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