PhD/MPhil Midwifery / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Midwifery programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Midwifery.

This postgraduate research programme in midwifery gives students the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged in innovative research that will make a difference in people's lives and in health and social care.

We particularly welcome students from all health and social care disciplines who have an interest in exploring related subject areas.

3-year PhD   (FT, PT, FT Distance Learning, PT Distance Learning options)

The PhD programme of study consists of:

  • high-quality supervision by two members of staff with appropriate expertise to guide the PhD applicant throughout the study ensuring academic objectives are met and suitable training is provided;
  • research and transferable skills training and support;
  • taught course units in core research methods;
  • independent study;
  • an advisor to offer pastoral support.

In addition to the support and guidance of the supervision team, students will have access to a comprehensive, tailored training programme.

Students will meet with their supervisors during induction week (and the beginning of each subsequent year) to undertake a skills audit to identify their learning needs and devise an individualised training programme.

A mandatory transferable skills unit is offered that includes:

  • managing literature and searching;
  • project management;
  • research governance;
  • involving patients and the public in research;
  • ethics and academic writing.

There is also the option of additional training in research methods, completing taught master's-level units.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

Coursework and assessment

Our PhD programmes follow the University's methods of assessment for PhD study and student progress is monitored via a detailed electronic system (e-prog) using a standard set of progress and monitoring forms.  

Students must submit work at specific stages, review their progress, identify their learning and development needs, and meet with their supervisors throughout their course. Some meetings and evaluations are informal, while others are formal and documented.

3-year PhD  

You will submit a continuation report at the end of 11 months (23 months if part-time). This will summarise your knowledge and skills in your topic of study and your ability to apply this to produce a robust research plan to complete your study.

It is examined by two external examiners by a viva examination, and must be passed to progress to Year 2. Any taught units that are taken in full must also be passed to progress to Year 2.

At the end of Year 2, you will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor. At the end of Year 3, the PhD thesis will be examined by an internal and external examiner.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the funded programmes and funding opportunities pages.

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

Facilities

You will have access to Jean McFarlane Building which houses student study space, seminar rooms, IT facilities, interpersonal skills laboratories and lecture theatres.

The wider facilities of the University are of an excellent standard, with one of the best library collections and resources in Europe.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk