In the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, we conduct research in areas such as healthcare, midwifery, nursing, leadership or dementia, as well as radiography and medical imaging, nutrition, exercise, the social sciences, humanisation and social work. 

We collaborate with colleagues from other faculties to draw on their expertise when needed and we work closely with BU's research institutes and centres, such as the Ageing & Dementia Research Centre, the Centre for Midwifery, Maternal and Perinatal Health, the National Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work, the Nursing for Long Term Health Research Centre and the Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, among others. We strongly encourage collaboration across specialisms, and a PhD provides an opportunity to work with supervisors from various backgrounds to deliver truly impactful research.

You will also be part of BU’s research community and have access to the suite of research, professional and personal training offered through the Doctoral College and your academic faculty.

Optional units to support learning: During your PhD you can make use of opportunities to undertake some of our MSc Health Research course units. These units have been designed to provide support developing the skills required to carry-out a research project. Content will be tailored to your research and activities can help towards developing your PhD project. Find out more in the 'Course details' section below. 

Book onto a Postgraduate Open Day to meet us and find out more. 

"If anyone had told me 10 years ago that I would develop and run a clinical randomised controlled trial I would never have believed it. Bournemouth University gave me the opportunity, the resources and three wise, resourceful and patient doctorate supervisors to achieve it. My doctorate has taught me to look at the world through a new research lens."

- Dominque Mylod, PhD student

See more course details.

Key information

Next start date:

April 2024, September 2024, January 2025

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot & Lansdowne Campus

Duration:

3-5 years full-time, or 4-7 years part-time

Entry requirements:

An Honours degree at 2:1 or higher and a relevant Master's degree.

If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS 6.5 (Academic) with 5.5 in each component or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.