PhD Applied Health Research at University of Kent

Programme overview

A research degree producing a thesis on a topic in medicine and health science research, which may range from mechanisms of disease or methodology to clinical research or healthcare economics, with supervision at the Centre for Health Services Studies. Research training is tailored to each candidate and non-assessed modules can fill gaps in background.

Department: Centre for Health Services Studies | Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time | Intake: September, January, April | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent thesis research under specialist supervision, with tailored research training and optional non-assessed modules.

Career pathways

Graduates have reached senior positions in academia, central government, policy teams and research services.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A good honours degree (2.2 or above) in the social sciences, an interest in the chosen topic area and a clear idea of the proposed thesis topic; candidates with professional qualifications alone and/or relevant health service experience are also considered. Applicants should contact a potential supervisor and draft a short proposal covering introduction, theoretical framework, research design and methods, sample, research questions, ethical considerations and a timeline. English language for international applicants: Very Good level (high B2), for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component or PTE Academic 67 with at least 59 in each sub-test; a degree from a majority English-speaking country is also accepted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Guide figure only: full-time UK postgraduate research fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK research fee was not yet announced. Source

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September, January, April

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

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

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