PhD Healthcare Management
Course overview
The PhD in Healthcare Management at Swansea University is a doctoral research programme that invites students to explore how health services are conducted, how they deliver care, and how they might do better. Students pick a topic of interest, work closely with supervisors, and carry out research that can influence health service practice or policy. The programme leads to high-level research skills, leadership potential, and possible academic or service-based roles on completion. This research degree aims to develop a new understanding of health service leadership, management of resources, service improvement, and policy-related issues in healthcare.
This PhD Healthcare Management programme is housed within Swansea University’s School of Health and Social Care and sits within the Faculty of Allied Health. It can be studied full-time (three years) or part-time (up to six years), depending on the student’s circumstances. Students are supervised by experts in health management, policy, economics, information systems, and health service research. Learning is driven by independent research, guided by a supervisory team, and supported by training in research methods, ethics, data analysis, writing, and dissemination. Students attend seminars and workshops and may present at conferences. Assessment is through the doctoral thesis and an oral viva (defence) rather than traditional exams.
Entry requirements
Students must submit a research proposal, identify or discuss potential supervision, and provide references and academic transcripts.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants to the PhD Healthcare Management programme must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2:1 (or better) and a relevant master’s degree, or, in some cases, a first-class honours degree may be considered.
English Proficiency:
- The English language requirement for non-native speakers is IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5.
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Excellence Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Swansea University Sport Scholarship
Financial support (of up to £2000).
Thrive Bursary
The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).
Up to £4,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the PhD Healthcare Management programme can move into senior roles in health services, research, policy, or academia. Possible job titles include:
- Health Services Research Director
- Healthcare Policy Analyst
- Health Economics Consultant
- Academic Lecturer
- Health Data Strategy Lead
Cost of study
For full-time international research students, the annual tuition fee to study a PhD in Healthcare Management at Swansea University is £20,900. Students should expect a maximum increase of up to 3% in tuition per year.
Admission
To apply for the Swansea University PhD Healthcare Management programme, applicants should use the university’s online research-degree application portal. If you need assistance, you can reach out to one of our experienced counsellors at AHZ.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.