University of Kent

PhD Applied Health Research

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Applied Health and Care Research at the University of Kent is a course run by the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS). The programme equips health and care professionals with advanced research skills so that they may design, carry out, and publish health‑care research. Students learn how to connect research evidence and practical care services. This course is taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, self‑directed study, and an individual research project. Modules cover a wide variety of research methods, including evaluation research, case‑study design, action research, participatory methods, as well as realist evaluation. The independent research project allows students to investigate a practical problem in health or social care under the guidance of experienced supervisors in CHSS.

Students join an active community of researchers at CHSS, which has a strong track record in applied health and social care research. The Centre supports students with research seminars, workshops, and regular opportunities to engage with real policy and practice issues. Kent encourages students to publish and present their research. Learning involves both taught modules and independent work. There is a compulsory module on research design, ethics, and protocol development. Other modules focus on qualitative research methods, action research, and quantitative methods. Assessment is by report, presentations, and a substantial research project/report (dissertation) demonstrating independent research skills.

Entry requirements

Prospective students are encouraged to contact staff in CHSS to discuss possible research topics and supervision before submitting an application

Grade Requirements:

  • Candidates usually need a good honours degree (such as a 2:2 or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as health, social care, or social sciences.
  • Professional qualifications and relevant experience in health or care services are also considered.

English Proficiency:

  • International students need to show proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no section below 5.5 in all skill components.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

    Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates

    Scholarship value - £5,000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Kingsman Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship

    £1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.

    Up to £1,500

  • Music Performance Scholarship

    £1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Applied Health and Care Research from the University of Kent can work as

  • Healthcare Policy Analyst
  • Health Service Manager
  • Research Analyst
  • University Lecturer
  • Biostatistician

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study the PhD Applied Health and Care Research in the University of Kent is £19,300 for international students. This is subject to review annually.

Admission

Applicants for the University of Kent PhD Applied Health and Care Research course must apply through Kent’s postgraduate admission system. You can reach out to our experienced counsellors at AHZ for assistance.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide