Join us and address global health challenges. Our high quality research influences health and social care policy, delivery and care around the globe.
Choose the option that suits your interests whether it's becoming a clinical academic researcher or pursuing a pure research route. You'll work in a world-class academic centre with a nursing provision ranked top 5 in the world.
This health sciences PhD is designed for:
As a research student you'll be embedded in one of our research groups. Whilst you carry out an in depth piece of clinical research you're supported by 2 expert academics with expertise in your area of interest.
During your studies you'll have the opportunity to:
Current students share what it’s like to carry out postgraduate research in health sciences. These short videos give you a sense of the work they do, the support they receive and what studying at Southampton is like day to day.
We cover a wide range of topics, including:
You can either search for a structured studentship or discuss funding options with potential supervisors.
If you have funding in place or have identified a funding source, you can also propose your own PhD idea.
We run funded PhD studentships in partnership with doctoral training centres, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and guaranteed funding.
These studentships are open to UK and international applicants and include:
Learn more about our doctoral training partnerships (DTP):
We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries ourselves. Your potential supervisor can guide you on what is available.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about scholarships
Once you’ve found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You’ll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition and fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD.
You may be able to fund your postgraduate research with funding from your current employer or from industry.
You can borrow up to £30,301 for a PhD starting on or after 1 August 2025. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
You'll need to pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees are the same whether you're studying in person or by distance learning. If you're applying for a fully funded project, your fees will be paid for you.
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in Health Sciences full time | £5,238 | £27,300 |
| PhD in Health Sciences part time | £2,619 | Not offered |
| Health Sciences South Coast Doctoral Training Partners full time | £5,238 | £27,300 |
| Health Sciences South Coast Doctoral Training Partners part time | £2,619 | £13,650 |
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in Health Sciences full time | £5,006 | £26,700 |
| PhD in Health Sciences part time | £2,503 | Not offered |
| Health Sciences South Coast Doctoral Training Partners full time | £5,006 | £26,700 |
| Health Sciences South Coast Doctoral Training Partners full time | £2,503 | £13,350 |
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in Health Sciences full time | £4,786 | £26,100 |
| PhD in Health Sciences part time | £2,393 | Not offered |
Access full fee information from previous years.
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student or graduate from the University of Southampton. This will not apply for programmes that are externally funded. Please check the fees and funding section.
Our research is organised around 4 main themes:
Decide whether to apply to an advertised research project or develop your own project idea, by creating your own proposal.
Whatever option you choose, it's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
If you're applying to an advertised research project, you’ll find supervisors’ contact details on the advert.
If you intend to create your own proposal, you can search for a supervisor.
You’ll need to send us:
The application process is the same whether you're applying for a funded project, or have created a research proposal.
You’ll need to have a:
Visit our global pages to find equivalent international qualifications.
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Check the specific entry requirements listed on the project you’re interested in before you apply.
Our Health sciences PhD is available to study in person or remotely.
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
| Degree type | Full time | Part time |
| Health sciences PhD | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 7 years |
