PhD Nursing
Course overview
The PhD in Nursing at Swansea University is a research degree focused on producing high-quality research that is crucial to improving health and well-being within our communities. The university has an outstanding reputation, being ranked Top 200 in the World for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). The programme’s clear focus is on translating academic theory into positive practical outcomes for practitioners, patients, and carers. Your substantial project will be led by your own interests, addressing issues ranging from professional working and patient care to the development of new treatments and interventions.
As a doctoral researcher in the School of Health and Social Care, you will benefit from a supportive research environment where you can confidently ensure your work both informs and is informed by the wider health and social care environment. Doctoral researchers are examined in two parts. The first part is the thesis, which is an original body of work, with a maximum word limit of 100,000 words for the main text, demonstrating an original research project with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The PhD is assessed following an oral examination of the thesis, known as a viva voce examination.
Entry requirements
Admissions into this course may be based on factors such as the standard of the research proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants must normally hold an undergraduate degree at a 2:1 level and a master’s degree.
- Alternatively, applicants with a first-class honours degree, but without a master’s degree, shall be considered on an individual basis.
English Proficiency:
- Non-native speakers of English are required to show proficiency in English by having an IELTS overall score of 6.5 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
A PhD in Nursing from Swansea University opens doors to opportunities in career roles, including the following:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Administrator
- Nurse Educator
- Research Nurse
- University Professor / Lecturer
Cost of study
The annual tuition fee for the PhD in Nursing at Swansea University is £20,900. Kindly note that fees are provisional and are subject to change.
Admission
Applications for this course can be made directly to the university using its online application platform. It is advisable to contact our trained counsellors at AHZ to guide you through this process.
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