Brunel University Uxbridge

Programme overview

Brunel's Arts and Health PhD is an interdisciplinary research degree investigating the effects of art, music, movement and drama on health and wellbeing. Established in 2021, the programme emphasises collaboration with neuroscience, health and creative-practice domains and works with NHS and community partners to develop relational, socially aware approaches to research and practice.

What you'll study

The PhD requires you to produce original research or advanced scholarship that creates and interprets new knowledge at the frontier of the discipline. Research can combine creative inquiry and scientific investigation grounded in arts-and-health science principles. Study modes are 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, with start dates in January or October. Students are encouraged to identify supervisors from the supervisory team; current named supervisors include Prof. Dominik Havsteen-Franklin, Alice Myles and Dr Daniel Stolfi, with NHS partnership clinical academics listed as contributors.

Entry requirements

Normal entry requires a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). Applicants must submit a personal statement and a research statement and will be interviewed by at least two academic staff (remotely or face to face). Applicants are advised to contact a proposed supervisor for feedback on the research statement before submission.

Career prospects

Doctoral researchers receive tailored careers support during their PhD and for up to three years after completion. The programme encourages early career planning, offers one-to-one careers consultations, workshops and industry-facing events, and recognises teaching and learning support duties as professional development opportunities.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Fees for 2026/7 are listed as UK 5,238 and International 20,400. The Graduate School and Researcher Development Programme provide training, workshops and online courses; Brunel Library supplies research resources and support. Prospective students should consult the university's fees and funding pages and discuss potential funding or paid teaching opportunities with supervisors and admissions staff.