Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD Program

The PhD program in Medical or Human Sciences offers students the opportunity to conduct a substantial independent research project, leading to an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. Students can work in a wide range of areas, and current research topics include the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, the role of doctors' consciences in clinical practice, and how dietary stresses and strains affect skull shape.

About the PhD

The PhD program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to conduct a substantial independent research project, leading to an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. Students will be supervised by a leading expert in the field and supported by a specialist Thesis Advisory Panel. The PhD can be studied full-time or part-time, with part-time study requiring at least 17.5 hours per week. A distance learning route is also available for PhD projects that are suitable for this mode of study and meet certain regulations and criteria.

Research Areas

Students can work in a wide range of areas, including:

• Molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease
• Role of doctors' consciences in clinical practice
• Effects of dietary stresses and strains on skull shape

Course Length and Start Date

• The PhD program is 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time.
• The recommended start date is September, but other options include January, April, or July.

Location

The PhD program is offered at the University of Hull or University of York, depending on the supervisor's employing university. Students will have access to facilities and support at both universities.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelors degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours; or
  • Masters Degree, or equivalent award
• Students who are nearing completion of their Bachelors or Masters degree, or the equivalent, at another university, but have not yet been awarded the degree may be conditionally accepted on to the PhD programme.
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
  • PTE Academic: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
  • CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
  • TOEFL: 87, with no less than 21 in each component
  • Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees: Visit the university's tuition fees page for more information.
• Funding:
  • Funded PhD opportunities are advertised on the university's website and on the FindaPhD website.
  • A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while studying a postgraduate doctoral course.

Applying

• To apply, students should:
  • Find a project: Check the university's advertised PhD projects for funded opportunities that fit their interests.
  • Find a supervisor: Search the university's research centres and groups to find a supervisor who works in their field.
  • Contact the potential supervisor: Discuss the project's suitability and funding opportunities.
• Applications are made on the University of York website.
• Students are advised to apply at least 8 weeks before their intended start date.