PhD Applied Health Research

    PhD Applied Health Research

    Duration3 year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    PhD Applied Health Research

    About

    Overview

    Research programmes involve writing a thesis on a particular topic with specialist supervision. You are given research training, which is tailored to the particular needs of your research and takes into account any training you have previously received. You also have opportunities to attend modules on relevant subjects on a non-assessed basis to fill any gaps in your background.

    The curriculum will be in the general area of medicine and health science research and may range from looking at mechanisms of disease or methodology, clinical research, or healthcare economics. Candidates will be required, in consultation with their supervisors, to undertake appropriate background reading; to undertake such research training as the supervisor and the Social Sciences Faculty require and to put such training into practice; to carry out a substantial body of original research, and to provide a written account of the research including its context within the current body of knowledge.

    About the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS)

    CHSS is a centre of research excellence which undertakes high quality research into a wide range of health and social care systems and health and care services issues at local, national and international levels.

    Prioritising a creative, inclusive research culture, we build the evidence base for policy and practice to prevent ill-health, promote well-being and meet needs for care, focusing on primary and community services, public health and social care working with academic collaborators across the UK and the world.

    If you are interested in studying for a PhD with us, please contact a potential supervisor with your ideas and draft a short proposal. The proposal should include an introduction, theoretical framework with relevant references, research design and methods, sample, research questions, ethical considerations, and a timeline. For submitting a full application, you will need to apply online. For full details on the application process, please see our how to apply pages.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    A good honours degree in the social sciences, an interest in the chosen topic area and a clear idea of your proposed thesis topic. We will also consider candidates with professional qualifications alone and/or relevant experience in the health service.

    All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

    International students

    Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

    English language entry requirements

    This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.

    Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.

    Examples:

    IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

    PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test

    A degree from the UK

    A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country


    Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 62
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    Career

    Your future

    Building on Kent’s success as the region’s leading institution for student employability, we place considerable emphasis on you gaining specialist knowledge in your chosen subject alongside core transferable skills. We ensure that you develop the skills and competences that employers are looking for including: research and analysis; policy development and interpretation; independent thought; writing and presentation, as well as time management and leadership skills. You also become fully involved in the professional research culture of the School. A postgraduate research degree is a particularly flexible and valuable qualification that can lead to many exciting opportunities and professions.

    Recent graduates have achieved senior positions and pursued careers in academia, central government, policy teams and research services.

    Career support
    Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.

    Fee Information

    PhD Applied Health Research

    University of Kent

    University of Kent

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Canterbury