University of Essex

PhD Health Studies

University of Essex

Course overview

University of Essex PhD Health Studies offers you the opportunity to conduct original research in a wide range of physical and mental health contexts. Students work closely with experienced supervisors and may draw upon modules in research methods at the Master's level to support their project. 

 

Students are assessed through a research proposal, a thesis, and a viva voce examination rather than traditional taught coursework.

Entry requirements

Candidates for the PhD in Health Studies at the University of Essex are required to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for applying and their relevant research interests. An academic reference is also required, and applicants may provide a CV or details of their work experience. Candidates must submit a well-developed research proposal and will be interviewed, either in person or online, for acceptance.

 

Grade Requirements:

 

  • Applicants need a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as health science or social science.

  • Students who do not hold a Master's will need to demonstrate strong research training or experience through an alternative route.

 

English Proficiency:

 

  • Applicants need an  IELTS score of 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections.

  • Other English-language test scores, such as the PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT tests, are accepted.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Health Studies from the University of Essex typically pursue roles such as:

 

  • Researcher

  • Lecturer

  • Policy Adviser

  • Senior Practitioner or Manager in Health Services

  • Consultant in Healthcare Research 

Cost of study

For the PhD Health Studies at the University of Essex, international students pay  £19,650 per year.

Admission

Admission to the PhD Health Studies at the University of Essex is made through the university’s application portal. You can speak to our advisors at AHZ to assist you with your application process.

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