Health - PhD

Research Interests 

Research in health-related practice in our Faculty is led by the Centre for Social Care, Health and Related Research (C-SCHaRR).

There are four designated clusters within the C-SCHaRR centre representing cross-cutting research themes of relevance for more than one area of professional practice:

• Knowledge2Care –concerned with knowledge mobilisation, co-creation, patient and public involvement and engagement, implementation science (all DHealth students benefit from insights from this cluster, as its researchers lead on the Critical Perspectives 2 module)
• Family, Gender & Health –gender and health; children and young people’s health; family and health experiences
• Person-Centred Ageing -research to support and improve quality of life for older people and those with dementia; work with and on all settings including community, hospital, care homes, prisons.
• The Elizabeth Bryan Multiple Births Centre – a partnership with the Multiple Births Foundation (MBF) which carries out research on all aspects of multiple births.

Here are some examples of current or recent work that has significance for health practice, undertaken by researchers in C-SCHaRR: 

• MR imaging to predict neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants (Prof Merryl Harvey)
• Communicating endometriosis: health professionals’ experiences (Dr Annalise Weckesser)
• Eczema mindlines (Prof Fiona Cowdell)
• Enhancing dementia care and support in prison populations (Prof Joanne Rybacka-Brooke)
• Investigating burnout in nursing-home nurses (Catharine Jenkins)

Why study a PhD?

Are you keen to contribute innovative ideas to your field? Looking to solve problems, discover something new, and make a difference to society?

We have a vibrant research community here at Birmingham City University, with many talented postgraduate researchers developing and exchanging knowledge across their fields.

Conducting a PhD will allow you to develop cutting-edge research in your area of interest, with the support of your research supervisor and fellow research community.

The PhD Journey

The nature of a research degree is such that it is not possible to state an exact timescale for the programme. A part-time PhD (for entrants with a relevant Master's qualification) could be expected to take 4-5 years.

In the case of full-time study, a PhD may require 30-36 months. Nevertheless, it should be noted that there is wide variation from these averages for individual students.

Modes of Study

Our PhD programmes are offered full-time or part-time. These modes of study ensure that we can create a PhD research plan around your lifestyle needs, even if you are in full-time employment or overseas.

Full-time PhD Research: three to four years

As a full-time PhD research student you will undertake much of your research on campus using the facilities at Birmingham City Business School.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 36-43 months.

Part-time PhD Research: four to seven years

You would chose part-time PhD research if you opt to study whilst in employment or if full-time study is impractical.

You will be encouraged to use the campus facilities when you can and may often work from home.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 48-72 months.

PgCert in Research Practice

The PGCert in Research Practice is a  compulsory part of doctoral programmes at BCU. The DHealth incorporates this into the second year of the course. As well as your DHealth cohort, you may meet students from other doctoral programmes in the Faculty on the PgCert.  It covers foundations for doctoral research practice, including a literature review, research methodology and methods, to initiate development of a detailed research proposal. As well as the inputs from PgCert programme and module staff, your DHealth personal tutor will support you individually through this stage.

You will achieve the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Research Practice alongside your Professional Doctorate. 

HELS PGR Winter Showcase

In the Faculty we have an annual HELS PGR Winter Showcase where all our postgraduate researchers (PhD and Professional Doctorate students) are invited to share their work in progress and network.

Throughout the year, there is a programme of seminars and scholarship days on themes that are common across many research degree areas. 

How is this course taught?

Our research degrees are not taught courses. Each student's research degree programme is personalised to match their interests to the research priorities, staff expertise and research facilities available.

Who will teach me?

Our experienced academics, many of whom are engaged in internationally recognised research, will provide you with supervision as you pursue the award of a PhD degree.

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

• Details of the entry requirements for our courses
• Some of the good reasons why you should study here
• How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
• Information relevant to applicants from your country
• Where to find financial support for your studies.