University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD in Medicine and Health is a research degree centred on an original project agreed with an academic supervisor and supervisory team. Your programme will typically include:

• Independent research: A major piece of original research leading to a written thesis and viva voce examination. Projects span basic biomedical science, clinical/translational studies, epidemiology, health services research, implementation science, digital health and health economics.
• Research training: Formal and informal training in research methods relevant to your project, which may include advanced statistical analysis, qualitative methods, laboratory techniques, trial design, health economic modelling, bioinformatics or imaging methods.
• Professional development: Transferable skills training covering research integrity, grant writing, scientific communication, teaching and public engagement. Opportunities to present at conferences and co-author journal articles are encouraged.
• Structured components (where applicable): Depending on your project, you may complete short taught modules or methodological workshops delivered within the Medical School or through university doctoral training initiatives. Clinical PhD students will also follow required Good Clinical Practice and ethics training.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Many projects are co-supervised across disciplines and faculties, enabling interdisciplinary approaches such as combining laboratory science with population datasets or digital health technologies with implementation research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (first class or upper second) plus a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MSc, MRes or clinical postgraduate diploma) or a primary medical degree (MBChB, MBBS) with demonstrable research training. Exceptional candidates with substantial relevant research experience may also be considered.

Typical supporting evidence includes a research proposal or outline agreed with a prospective supervisor, academic transcripts, two academic references, and a CV demonstrating relevant skills and experience. Clinical applicants should provide evidence of GMC registration or equivalent where appropriate.

International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements; this is usually demonstrated by an accepted English test score or prior study in English. Applicants should check the Faculty of Medicine & Health guidance for specific language and qualification equivalences.

Funding is competitive. Candidates may apply for university, faculty or external scholarships, studentships and clinical training fellowships; the availability and specific eligibility criteria vary over time.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Medicine and Health PhD pursue careers across academia, the NHS, industry and public sector organisations. Common career paths include:

• Academic research: Postdoctoral research positions, lectureships and roles leading independent research groups.
• Clinical careers with research focus: Clinical academic posts, clinical trials management or consultant roles with research responsibilities for medically qualified graduates.
• Healthcare industry and biotech: Research and development, clinical affairs, regulatory science and medical affairs in pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics companies.
• Public health and policy: Roles in health services research, public health agencies, NHS management and health policy development.
• Non-profit and global health: Research and programme roles in charities, non-governmental organisations and international health bodies.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham's Medical School and Faculty of Medicine & Health offer a supportive research environment with access to specialist facilities, well-established research groups and collaborations with NHS trusts. The Faculty hosts centres and institutes specialising in areas such as cardiovascular science, cancer, global health, population health and translational medicine, providing a broad range of potential supervisors and multidisciplinary expertise.

Doctoral researchers benefit from structured doctoral training, workshops and a vibrant research community, including regular seminars and opportunities to network with clinicians, statisticians, bioinformaticians and industry partners. The university's links with regional NHS partners and research infrastructure support clinical and translational projects, while professional development provision helps prepare graduates for diverse careers in research, healthcare and industry.