The Department of Health Services Research have a large number of postgraduate research students using a mixture of methods applied to a wide range of applied health service research contexts. We work in a stimulating multi-disciplinary environment using a range of research methods.

Why study with us?

I thoroughly enjoyed my PhD experience, I would do it again tomorrow. That is not to stay I didn’t have both highs and lows. The lows were minimised by feeling well supported throughout by my supervisors, fellow students at various stages themselves and the department.
Dr Lauren Hepworth - Primary Care PhD Alumna

97%
of our research is world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
1 of 3
NIHR Research Design Service hubs that provides academic support and guidance to the NHS about competitive research grant applications.
98
researchers across the institute's 3 departments.

Overview

Our work is theoretically robust and problem and policy focused, with a research agenda that's socially relevant and postgraduate teaching that's truly research-led.

The multi-disciplinary research environment with strong NHS and NIHR partnerships means we are an inspiring environment for postgraduate students.

We have expertise and ongoing research using both quantitative and qualitative methods, systematic reviews and clinical trials in a variety of community, primary and secondary care contexts. Examples of our current work include the management of musculoskeletal problems in primary and intermediate care, the use of urgent dental care services, orthoptic and vision services and palliative care.

Our research partners

We have a number of key partnerships that provide excellent research and educational opportunities for our postgraduates. These partners include NIHR CLAHRC NWC, Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group and other research groups in IPHS and the wider Faculty and University.

Clinical academic links such as these mean we're well placed to support and host PhD studentships provided by UKCRN partners, such as the MRC, ESRC, DH and EPSRC.

Our researchers collaborate with academic colleagues in Public Health, Psychological Sciences and other departments across the university which provides a rich inter-disciplinary environment for our students. There are particular overlaps with the Psychology of Healthcare group.

Study options and fees

The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year

MPhil / PhD / MD	Duration	UK students	International Students
Full time	2-4 years	£4,786	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £29,750 (Band A)^ Faculty of Science and Engineering* £29,750 (Band A)^ or £23,400 (Band B) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £23,400 (Band B)
Part time	4-6 years	£2,393	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £14,900 (Band A)^ Faculty of Science and Engineering* £14,900 (Band A)^ or £11,700 (Band B) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £11,700 (Band B)

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Entry requirements

You'll need a first class or equivalent first degree in a relevant discipline (a 2:1 with additional Masters level training may be considered), such as medicine, dentistry, health sciences, psychology sociology or anthropology. This breadth reflects our commitment to multidisciplinary approaches when investigating complex questions.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT	Overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each component
TOEFL iBT requirement	Minimum 100 overall with L 21 R 21 W 21 and S 23
C1 Advanced CAE requirement	Overall 185 with no less than 176 in any paper
PTE Academic requirement	69 with minimum scores of 61 in each component
Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II)	Please confirm with the department
Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language	Grade C
Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language	Grade B
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency)	Overall 185 with 176 in components
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced)	Overall 185 with 176 in components
Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced)	Overall 185 with 176 in components

Additional requirements

Your research can be in any area that matches our research interests and expertise, outlined above. CRB and other checks may be necessary for some project types and every proposal will need to receive ethical approval.

You'll also need coherent writing skills, along with the stamina, self-motivation and organisation to complete a demanding research project.