University of Lancaster

What you'll study

The PhD is a predominantly research-based programme centred on an original thesis, supported by supervisory guidance and a tailored training programme. Students typically develop and deliver a programme of work that may include qualitative and/or quantitative studies, systematic reviews, applied evaluation, implementation research or mixed-methods approaches relevant to palliative care.

• Core research activity: design and execution of an independent original research project leading to a thesis and viva voce examination.
• Research methods training: advanced qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups, ethnography), advanced quantitative methods (e.g. longitudinal analysis, survival analysis, trial design) and mixed-methods techniques, alongside training in study design, data management and reproducible research practices.
• Substantive topics commonly explored: symptom management and pain, communication and decision-making at end of life, carer and bereavement support, service models and integration of palliative care, palliative care in non-cancer conditions, health inequalities and access, and policy or economic evaluations of services.
• Ethics and governance: training and support for research ethics approval, safeguarding, data protection and working with vulnerable participants.
• Professional and transferable skills: academic writing, grant and fellowship preparation, presenting at conferences, teaching and public engagement, and leadership in clinical or policy settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant doctoral-level supervisory project proposal and demonstrable research potential. Typical applicants have a master's degree with a substantial research component (or an equivalent qualification) in nursing, medicine, allied health, social science, public health, or a related discipline. Clinical applicants without a prior postgraduate research degree but with substantial clinical and research experience may also be considered.

• Academic qualifications: a good honours degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification with evidence of research training or experience.
• Research proposal: a clear, feasible, well-referenced proposal outlining aims, methods and potential impact; supervisors are usually identified and consulted prior to formal application.
• References and experience: strong academic or professional references and evidence of relevant clinical or research experience, particularly where the project requires clinical access.
• English language: proof of English proficiency where applicable, in line with university requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Palliative Care move into a range of roles across academia, clinical practice, service development and policy. The programme prepares researchers to pursue academic careers as lecturers and principal investigators, to lead clinical research within hospitals and hospices, or to work for health services, commissioning bodies and non-governmental organisations focused on end-of-life care.

• University and research institute roles: postdoctoral research fellow, lecturer, principal investigator.
• Clinical leadership and specialist practice: advanced clinical practitioner roles, clinical research lead in hospice or hospital settings.
• Policy, commissioning and charity sector: policy advisor, service development manager, evaluator for third-sector palliative organisations.
• Research support and knowledge translation: roles in evidence synthesis, guideline development and implementation science.

Why study at University of Lancaster

The University of Lancaster provides an interdisciplinary research environment with access to expertise across health sciences, social sciences and applied health research. PhD candidates benefit from supervision by researchers active in palliative and end-of-life care, links with local NHS trusts and hospice providers for clinical collaboration, and access to the university’s doctoral training and researcher development programmes.

• Interdisciplinary supervision: supervisors with expertise in clinical palliative care, nursing, public health, social research and health services research.
• Clinical and community partnerships: established links with regional health services and hospice organisations to support applied research and participant recruitment.
• Research infrastructure: support for ethics and governance, qualitative and quantitative analysis software, and training in grant development and impact activities.
• Supportive doctoral culture: structured milestones, peer networks, opportunities to teach, present and publish, and access to university-wide researcher development workshops.