University of Essex

PhD Nursing Studies

University of EssexColchester Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

The PhD Nursing Studies at the University of Essex is a research‑based doctorate where you choose and carry out an in‑depth research project in nursing practice, healthcare, or health policy. You will work under the supervision of experienced staff, progressing from training in research methods to full‑scale investigation and thesis writing. 

Teaching and learning include accessing Master’s‑level research methods modules (covering quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods) to build strong foundational skills. You will also engage in independent research, discussion with your supervisors, and seminars or workshops tailored to doctoral study.

Assessment is primarily based on your thesis (doctoral research output) and may include progress reviews, proposals, and formal evaluations of your research skills and methods training. 

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 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 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

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Nursing Studies from the University of Essex are well‑prepared for careers like:

  • Nursing Researcher
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Healthcare Policy Analyst
  • Nursing Educator/Lecturer
  • Research Fellow in Nursing

Cost of study

For the PhD Nursing Studies at the University of Essex, tuition for international students is £19,650 for the first year. Check the university’s official fees list for the current academic year. 

Admission

Applications for the PhD Nursing Studies at the University of Essex are submitted through the university’s postgraduate research application system. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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