Health Sciences

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a good honours degree (upper second) in an appropriate discipline, but prior experience in research or health and social care may be acceptable.

Months of entry

January, April, July

Course content

At Surrey we’ve been conducting health-related research for over 30 years, putting people at the focus of everything we do. We’re addressing global healthcare priorities and generating evidence to underpin effective, compassionate and integrated healthcare, working in partnership with healthcare providers, governments and businesses.

Our PhD is aimed at healthcare professionals looking to undertake research at the highest level. It’s particularly suited for health psychologists, midwives, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists and social scientists. As one of our students, you’ll embrace a ‘patient focused’ philosophy, working to improve the delivery of healthcare nationally and internationally.

You’ll work alongside academic staff who’re engaged in leading healthcare research. Their work drives and reflects the change in clinical practice.

93% of our research was rated world-leading and internationally relevant in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. Our research also ranked top 10 in the UK for allied health professions.

On our PhD, you’ll complete research into your chosen area of interest over a period of four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time).

Your first year will lay the foundation for your research project. You’ll work closely with your supervisors to review literature and develop your research proposal. You may start negotiating access for sites and settings for data collection or consider applying for ethical approval from us and the NHS.

During your second and third years, you’ll conduct fieldwork, collect your data and begin to analyse this. During your final year, you’ll continue to analyse your data and write up your findings, in preparation for your thesis submission.

Throughout your PhD, you’ll gain substantial subject expertise and an in-depth understanding of research methodology and design. You’ll also develop transferable skills in public speaking, drafting proposals and writing for publications.

Current students are researching topics including:

• The ethical implications of 'spirituality' in residential care for older people.
• The role of medicine management activities in the implementation of paramedic advanced practice.