Program Overview

Health and Social Care

Course Summary

Develop specialist research knowledge and skills, complete an independent research programme, and acquire high-level transferable skills that will equip you for your future career.

How You Learn

As a postgraduate research student, you'll follow an independent programme of study under the supervision of a team of leading academics with extensive experience of undertaking high-quality research and academic scholarship. Supervision principally takes places through regular meetings, either face to face or using remote communication, between doctoral researchers and their supervisory teams.

You'll have access to a wide range of training opportunities to help you work towards your research degree, including:

• A programme of university-wide doctoral training sessions
• A programme of workshops and research support sessions delivered by the Health Research Institute postgraduate research team
• Specialist research training and skills development relevant to your research project
• A range of research seminar series provided within the Health Research Institute, Research Centres, and across the university
• Peer discussions and support as part of a postgraduate research community
• Multiple opportunities to present your work at local, national, and international conferences
• Financial support to attend academic conferences, networking opportunities, and training events

Applied Learning

You'll be part of an active research community in the Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research (CARe), the Health Research Institute, and the wider university. Our Research Centre vision is to deliver world-leading applied research that impacts individuals, communities, populations, and the health and social care workforce.

Your research will be closely aligned with one of the research groupings within CARe, including:

• Applied Imaging
• Cancer Care
• Centre for Loneliness Studies
• Children, Young People & Families
• Health & Social Care Workforce
• Lifestyle, Exercise & Nutrition Improvement
• Long-term Conditions & Multimorbidity
• Maternal & Infant Health
• Mental Health

Future Careers

Research degrees are a vital qualification for most academic and research careers. The research training and the high-level transferable skills you'll acquire are highly desirable across all sectors and will be a valuable asset whatever your career.

Our postgraduate research programmes have prepared previous students for careers in:

• Health and social care education
• Healthcare research
• Clinical and professional leadership
• Engagement in strategic organisations

Equipment and Facilities

You'll have access to excellent facilities and learning resources, as well as a dedicated postdoctoral office space that promotes vibrant discussion and collaboration.

You'll also have access to our state-of-the-art specialist equipment, which supports a wide range of research activities. The equipment is located on the Collegiate Crescent campus and within the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, which is part of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

The specialist facilities you'll work with include:

• Diagnostic imaging suites
• Clinical assessment and rehabilitation rooms
• A wide range of simulation equipment and resources
• High-specification digital technology

Where Will I Study?

You'll study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry Requirements

• All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant master's qualification (or expectation of the same)
• All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form, including a 1500-word research proposal
• You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes
• Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme
• Applicants are required to give a short 10-15 minute presentation, followed by an interview
• Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor, and a prospective director of studies
• Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent
• Please note that your test score must be current, i.e., within the last two years

Fees and Funding

• Home students: Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees, which have not yet been confirmed for 2026/27
• International students: Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 per year
• An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities
• Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute and will be confirmed in your offer letter

Doctoral Student Loans

Up to £25,700 is available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional Course Costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 277.7KB)