University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The programme is a supervised, research-focused doctorate. You will design and complete an original research project that makes a contribution to knowledge in bioethics. Projects commonly address topics such as clinical ethics, research ethics, public health ethics, genomics and personalised medicine, end-of-life decision-making, reproductive ethics, global health ethics, and the ethics of emerging technologies.

Although there are no set taught modules required for the PhD, doctoral candidates normally undertake a combination of:

• an initial literature review and development of a detailed research proposal;
• methodological training tailored to the project, which may include qualitative or quantitative methods, empirical bioethics approaches, normative philosophical methods, or legal and policy analysis;
• professional and transferable skills training, covering research governance, ethics committee procedures, public engagement, and academic communication;
• attendance at research seminars, reading groups and workshops in related disciplines (philosophy, law, medicine, social sciences) to foster interdisciplinary perspectives;
• preparation of papers for publication, presentations at conferences, and regular progress reviews leading to a final thesis and viva voce examination.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a good master's degree in a relevant subject such as bioethics, philosophy, law, medicine, public health, nursing, or a life/social science, or demonstrate equivalent research experience. A clear and feasible research proposal that aligns with the supervisory strengths of the School is essential.

Applications are assessed on the strength of academic transcripts, research proposal, curriculum vitae, and academic references. Candidates whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements. Applicants may be invited to an interview or to discuss their proposal with potential supervisors as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

A PhD in Bioethics prepares graduates for a range of careers in academia, healthcare and public policy. Common career paths include:

• academic posts in philosophy, bioethics, health policy or related disciplines;
• roles on clinical ethics committees and within hospital-based ethics services;
• policy and advisory positions in government departments, regulatory bodies and public health organisations;
• research roles in universities, independent research institutes and think-tanks;
• ethics-related positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, clinical trials governance, and research ethics administration;
• work with non-governmental organisations, charities and international health organisations concerned with ethical aspects of health and research.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers an interdisciplinary research environment where bioethics scholarship is supported across philosophy, law, medicine and the social sciences. Students benefit from access to clinical and research expertise via links with the University’s medical and health faculties and local NHS partners, enabling projects that combine normative analysis with empirical work where appropriate.

Doctoral researchers can take advantage of a programme of seminars, workshops and training courses designed for postgraduate researchers, strong library and online research resources, and a supportive supervisory team tailored to each project. The University's research culture encourages collaboration, public engagement and dissemination beyond academia, helping graduates move into a wide spectrum of professional roles that address ethical challenges in health and biomedicine.