PhD Nursing (4 years)

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Doctor of Philosophy
Duration
4 Years
Entry requirements
We require:
  • An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
  • AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
  • OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience. 

The four-year programme is strongly recommended for anyone who:

  • has not studied in the UK before;
  • has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
  • has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
  • has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.
For students who which to study via distance learning there are additional criteria to support effective communication, for more information please see entry requirements section.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

  • January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
  • April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
  • September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y N Y N

Programme overview

  • Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
  • Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
  • Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
  • Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Open days

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what undertaking postgraduate research at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
  • PhD (full-time distance learning)
    UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Contact name
Doctoral Academy Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 275 5608
Email
Website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research
School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require:
  • An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
  • AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
  • OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience. 

The four-year programme is strongly recommended for anyone who:

  • has not studied in the UK before;
  • has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
  • has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
  • has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.
For students who which to study via distance learning there are additional criteria to support effective communication, for more information please see entry requirements section.

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90. For each of the components of the English test you should meet the minimum requirement of 6.0 (IELTS) or 22 (iBT).

English language requirements for our distance learning programme are:

  • IELTS 7.0, with a score of 6.5 or above in each component
  • TOEFL IBT with an overall score of 100 (with a minimum score of 25 in each component)

For more information about English language tests see English language requirements .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements, including English language, see entry requirements from your country .

Professional entry qualification

Additional requirements for distance learning students

The distance learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and to have an actual presence on campus (apart from the annual intensive study week), but it does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PhD study.

As well as the academic and language entry requirements outlined above, distance learning students must also prove that they have the time, commitment and language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.

As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:

  • full-time hours availability;
  • access to study sites and research participants;
  • if seconded from employment to undertake the programme,approval and support from your employer for study time;
  • adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures;
  • consistent computer and IT access;
  • a broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k;
  • up-to-date Windows software;
  • a webcam and microphone.

Students must maintain the expected virtual presence and communication to remain registered on the distance learning PhD programme.

Please note: When applying, distance learning students should clearly indicate their interest in the distance learning PhD on the application form.

Other entry requirements

Additional requirements for distance learning students

The distance learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and to have an actual presence on campus (apart from the annual intensive study week), but it does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PhD study.

As well as the academic and language entry requirements outlined above, distance learning students must also prove that they have the time, commitment and language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.

As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:

  • at least two days per week minimum study time (part-time students) or full-time hours availability (full-time students);
  • access to study sites and research participants;
  • if seconded from employment to undertake the programme, approval and support from your employer for study time;
  • adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures;
  • consistent computer and IT access;
  • a broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k;
  • up-to-date Windows software;
  • a webcam and microphone.

Students must maintain the expected virtual presence and communication to remain registered on the distance learning PhD programme.

Please note: When applying, distance learning students should clearly indicate their interest in the distance learning PhD on the application form.

Application and selection

How to apply

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

  • January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
  • April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
  • September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Advice to applicants

In addition to the formal online application, candidates should send:
  • a research proposal (see below for more details);
  • personal statement (see below for more details);
  • evidence of assurances about study leave where appropriate;
  • formal confirmation of funding status, e.g. a letter from your sponsor or documentary evidence of your ability to meet all fees and living costs;
  • a current CV;
  • transcripts of your academic qualifications, including the marks obtained for individual modules, as well as the overall grade.

We are not able to process applications until we receive the required documentation.

About the research proposal

Your proposal should be 2,500 words (+/- 10%) long and include the following sections.

  • Title.
  • Background (previous research in the area and own interest in the topic).
  • Research problem and study aims/research questions.
  • Relevance of the proposed study to Manchester's research priorities and strengths in midwifery.
  • Proposed study design, with justification for choice.
  • Overview of proposed data collection methods and analysis techniques, with justification for choice.
  • Unique contribution of the study to knowledge (what new knowledge might your study provide).
  • Brief consideration of practical and ethical issues.
  • References (these are not included in the word limit).

About the personal statement  

Your personal statement should be approx. 1,000 words in length and must provide details on your:

  • career development to date and why you wish to apply for PhD study;
  • future career plans;
  • research experience (emphasis on best project);
  • research interests (area and methods);
  • other supporting information: recent publications if any (indicate best publication) or other research training and experience.

Interview requirements

Candidates will be required to attend an interview with their prospective supervisor as well as an independent Postgraduate Tutor. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we are able to interview by Zoom/video conferencing.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

Depending on the project you undertake, you may be required to undertake DBS screening. We will notify of you this requirement if appropriate.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Programme details

Programme description

Our PhD 4-year Nursing programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Nursing.

This postgraduate research programme in nursing gives you 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.

4-year PhD (full time and full time distance learning only)

This is a four year PhD programme for students who:

  • have not previously studied research methods
  • have studied research methods but not in the UK
  • have limited English language skills
  • have not completed a master's degree.

In this programme, the first year is a foundation year designed to prepare you for the following three years of the PhD programme.

This will include completing taught research methods units from our MClin Res in Clinical Research , developing a research proposal with your supervision team and English language tuition (if English is not your first language).

We also offer a standard three year PhD programme (as well as MPhil ) for students who do not need to do the foundation year.

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.

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.

4-year PhD  

In order to complete the foundation year and progress to year 2 all students must pass 4 MRes units with a mark of 50% or higher. Students will also write a proposal of about 2,000-2,500 words that will provide a platform for an end of year 1 meeting with supervisors and advisor; this is not formally assessed. Students will also be expected to complete English language tuition as required.

You will submit a continuation report at the end of 23 months. 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 3.

At the end of Year 3, you will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor. At the end of Year 4, 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

Careers

Career opportunities

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the Careers page.