PhD in Health Research at Lancaster University

Lancaster University

United Kingdom, Lancaster

University Rank:#157

Duration4 year(s)

Next IntakeOctober 1, 2026

Health Research

Study Health Research at Lancaster University, a PhD degree offered at its main campus in Lancaster, United Kingdom. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 year(s) to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for October 1, 2026.

About Health Research

Applications are welcomed for PhD study, full-time (three years) or part-time (four to seven years), in any of our main research areas. These include ageing, dementia, health economics, mental health, organisation and health, palliative care, and inequalities in health.

As a research student, you will be directly involved in the research of Lancaster University’s Division of Health Research. You will receive specialised supervision and research training relevant to your research topic and methodology from world leading, research-active supervisors. You will enjoy the autonomy to pursue an independent research project whilst acquiring a substantial body of knowledge, placing yourself at the forefront of an academic discipline.

You will be encouraged to take part in a range of generic courses to introduce you to research methods but also choose courses which you identify as particularly relevant to your studies.

You will also be encouraged to attend and present at conferences both within the UK and overseas; recent students have attended conferences in the USA and Australia as well as mainland Europe.

We particularly encourage applications from students wishing to pursue Doctoral Fellowship applications from a variety of UK funders, including the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

As a BSc Marketing and Design student, you will be equipped with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of both marketing and design. Throughout the course, you will gain a deep understanding of the complementary and contrasting theoretical frameworks of marketing and design while developing essential design research skills and sharpening your critical thinking. You will learn how to respond to design briefs with creative experimentation and compelling visualisations. You will be able to commission design projects and effectively manage marketing strategies across diverse areas, from packaging to online advertising.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) or a good UK Master's or equivalent in an appropriate subject. Degrees should include a research methods module and a dissertation.

Additional requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

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.

We also consider other English language qualifications.

Help from our Admissions team

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

We also have more details on our website about:

Pre-master's programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master's pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master's degrees. Visit INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fee Information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

Application fees for 2025

For most taught postgraduate programmes starting in 2025 you must pay a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

Application fees for 2026

There is no application fee if you are applying for postgraduate study starting in 2026.

Paying a deposit

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.

Find all fees and funding information for students at Lancaster University.