PhD Applied Health Studies

The Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF2014) results confirmed our position as a dynamic research institution and one leading the charge for modern universities in the UK. The results reveal the international quality of our research right across the spectrum of health; transforming lives and underpinning the quality of our research-informed approach to teaching and learning. A university-wide success story, our results are a testament to the talent that permeates every area of expertise at the University of Plymouth.

There are lots of opportunities for research in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. We research sustainability, use of new genetic knowledge and technologies, the ageing population, use of internet and mobile technologies, changes in clinical education, contemporary nursing, and how knowledge is translated into practice and policy. Our interdisciplinary approach takes account of how services will evolve over the next few years.

This full time or part time doctoral programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject. If you aspire to a research career this is the most appropriate research degree to undertake. You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies. Even if you already have a masters degree, you will normally be registered as a ‘MPhil/PhD’ candidate and may apply to transfer to ‘PhD’ status around 10–22 months after registration, based on your progress to date.

You will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts. Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (up to 80,000 words), or one that combines critical writing with artistic, creative and/or professional practice, and a viva voce (an oral examination). Overseas applicants must submit their application 4.5 months prior to the proposed programme start date. For Home/EU applicants the deadline is 2.5 months prior to the proposed programme start date. There are three possible start dates per year, 1 October, 1 January and 1 April.