City

What you'll study

The PhD in Health is a research-focused programme in which the primary element is an original doctoral thesis under academic supervision. Students develop a research question in areas such as epidemiology, health services research, health policy, health economics, implementation science, clinical health, digital health, patient safety, or nursing and allied health professions.

• Research project: Independent empirical or theoretical research leading to a doctoral thesis and viva voce examination.
• Research methods training: Advanced quantitative methods (biostatistics, epidemiological design), advanced qualitative methods (interviewing, ethnography, grounded theory), mixed-methods approaches and data management for large and complex datasets.
• Specialist topics: Depending on supervisory expertise, students may study health policy analysis, health economics, implementation and translational research, health technology assessment, clinical trial design, digital health and informatics, or workforce and organisational studies.
• Professional development: Training in research ethics, academic writing and publishing, grant writing, presentation skills, and teaching practice where applicable.
• Interdisciplinary engagement: Opportunities to attend research seminars, workshops and collaborative projects with clinical, social science and policy teams across the university and partner organisations.

Mode and duration vary: full-time candidates typically complete within three to four years, while part-time study is available over a longer period to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master's degree with a substantial research component (such as an MSc, MRes or equivalent) or demonstrate equivalent research experience. Strong academic references, a clear and feasible research proposal, and evidence of relevant skills (for example, quantitative analysis, qualitative methods or clinical expertise) are required.

• Academic transcripts and at least two references, including one that can comment on research potential.
• A research proposal outlining aims, background, proposed methods and potential supervisors or areas of supervisory expertise.
• Proof of English language proficiency if the applicant’s first language is not English, in line with the university’s standard requirements.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview with potential supervisors to discuss fit, methods and resources needed for the project.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Health pursue a wide range of careers. Many remain in academia as researchers and lecturers, securing postdoctoral posts and leading independent research programmes. Others move into research roles within the NHS, public health agencies, research councils and national or international health organisations.

• Academic researcher or lecturer in universities and research institutes.
• Research scientist or analyst in NHS trusts, public health bodies and government departments.
• Policy analyst, consultant or adviser in health policy, regulation and commissioning.
• Research roles in charities, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks and international health agencies.
• Industry roles in clinical research organisations, health technology companies, and pharmaceutical or digital health firms.

Why study at City

City, University of London offers a PhD environment that combines specialist health research expertise with strong links to practice and policy in London. Students benefit from supervisors active in interdisciplinary health research, access to clinical and community partners across the capital, and regular research seminars and networks that support collaboration and dissemination.

The university provides training in advanced research methods, dedicated doctoral skills development, and administrative support for ethics, governance and funding applications. The City location also facilitates engagement with NHS organisations, public health agencies and health-focused NGOs, providing practical pathways to apply research findings and build professional networks.