PhD Health and Social Care

Tuition fees are 17,725 GBP per year.

Addressing the complex, evolving challenges of modern health and social care requires rigorous inquiry that bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world clinical application. This PhD programme is designed for scholars aiming to transform healthcare practice, policy, and service user experience through high-level research. By joining this programme, you become an active contributor to the Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research (CARe), an environment recognised for its internationally excellent impact on population health and workforce development.

You will work within a vibrant, interdisciplinary community, receiving expert supervision from academics dedicated to co-design and patient-centred innovation. The programme is specifically structured to support your transition from a researcher in training to an independent scholar, providing the tools to interrogate critical issues in fields ranging from mental health and cancer care to long-term conditions and the health workforce.

Research specialisms

Your work will align with one of our established research groupings, ensuring your project is supported by deep subject-matter expertise. Key areas of focus include:

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

Beyond individual supervision, you will benefit from a comprehensive training infrastructure, including university-wide doctoral development sessions, research seminar series, and financial support for international conference attendance. This environment is built to prepare you for leadership roles in academia, clinical research, and strategic health organisations.

Sheffield Hallam University, established in 1843 and based in Sheffield, is a large modern university serving around 31,000 students, including approximately 3,100 international learners. The university is known for applied teaching, industry-aligned courses and strong professional links across disciplines from business and health to engineering and the creative industries. Students benefit from modern facilities, well-equipped labs and specialist studios tailored to career-focused learning.

The campus ethos emphasizes employability: placements, work-based projects and employer partnerships are embedded across many programs, helping students gain practical experience and build professional networks. Academic staff work closely with industry and regional employers on applied research and innovation, creating pathways into internships and graduate roles. Dedicated student support services assist with academic skills, careers advice and wellbeing.

Sheffield itself is a friendly, affordable student city with good transport links to the north of England and easy access to green spaces and cultural venues. International students often highlight the city’s welcoming community, active student societies and opportunities to balance study with outdoor activities. For those seeking a practical, career-oriented university experience in the UK, Sheffield Hallam offers strong employer engagement, supportive services and an accessible urban lifestyle.