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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate research

Healthcare Management

PhD

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
4 Years
Campus
Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

In a rapidly evolving landscape where healthcare is at the nexus of societal and political issues, our healthcare management research programme equips you with the tools to confront and conquer complex challenges within the sector. This interdisciplinary programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the core principles of effective, efficient, and safe healthcare delivery, empowering you to become a pioneering leader and innovator in various healthcare settings.

Through a blend of rigorous academic research and hands-on practical applications, you can explore critical areas such as healthcare system organisation, resource coordination, and community health support. You can engage deeply with contemporary issues such as healthcare policy, technology integration, patient safety, and the socioeconomic factors influencing health outcomes. Whether you are a healthcare manager or a professionally qualified healthcare practitioner, our approach is to challenge you to think critically and creatively about the future of healthcare.

As a healthcare management researcher at University of Gloucestershire, you will cultivate expertise in qualitative, quantitative, multi- and mixed-method research approaches, applying these skills to investigate and solve real-world challenges that affect communities and populations. Our postgraduate researchers have recently investigated diverse topics, including patient and public involvement, introducing nursing boards, psychiatrists’ digital literacy, overcoming traditional hospital hierarchies, and evaluation methods for large capital expenditures. Collaborating with experienced staff and peers, you will develop research that has the potential to inform and influence healthcare practices and policies.

Join us and immerse yourself in an intellectually stimulating environment that is dedicated to fostering your passion for healthcare excellence. Discover how you can be at the forefront of change, driving improvements that enhance patient outcomes and promote health equity. With our healthcare management research programme, you will not only advance your career but also contribute to the betterment of society through impactful research and leadership.

Study style

This programme focuses on applied research addressing real-world healthcare challenges. You will collaborate with experts in healthcare policy and expenditure analysis, service design, leadership and organisational management, community health initiatives, and innovation in healthcare delivery, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and shaping the future of healthcare.

From the outset, you will undertake independent research tailored to your interests. Working closely with experienced supervisors through a coaching-style supervision model, you’ll refine your project focus while receiving ongoing academic and practical guidance. Your development will be enriched by participation in seminars, conferences, researcher-led sessions, and external events. We provide a supportive environment that fosters your researcher development.

As your research progresses, you will be encouraged to present at national and international conferences and will be supported in publishing your work for both academic and practitioner audiences. Whether your thesis follows a traditional, practice-led, or publication-based format, our commitment to research innovation ensures that your contribution has a meaningful impact.

We aim to equip you with the skills, confidence, and interdisciplinary insight to drive improvements in health management—preparing you for future roles in academia, healthcare, or applied service delivery.

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Entry requirements

    • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

    • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.

    • We strongly encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

    • If you meet the entry criteria you will be offered an interview with an academic member of staff, either in person or online.

    • Your application should include a research proposal up to 1,000 words (excluding references/appendices) which follows the structure outlined in the research proposal guide.

Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Start date Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
February 2026 £5,350 £13,425
October 2026 £5,350 £13,425
February 2027 £5,350 £13,425
October 2027 TBC TBC
February 2028 TBC TBC

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Careers

You’ll be well-equipped for various career opportunities across academia, healthcare, the health industries, and the public sector. Throughout the programme, you will develop a robust set of research, project management, and analytical skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally.

Whether you pursue a research degree that contributes to academic research, applies technological healthcare solutions, designs innovation in care delivery, or promotes equitable healthcare, this programme opens the door to diverse career pathways. This makes you a strong candidate for roles in healthcare, including providers, health companies, medical technology and systems development, health data analysis, health policy innovation and evaluation, and healthcare education.

Our focus on personal and professional growth ensures you leave as a confident, capable researcher—ready to make a meaningful impact in public and private healthcare, healthcare research institutions, commercial enterprises, or healthcare policy organisations.

Rigorous academic exploration meets practical application

Develop essential research skills and critical insights to tackle real-world healthcare challenges while engaging with experienced professionals. Prepare for diverse career pathways in academia, healthcare, and beyond, all while driving meaningful change and promoting health equity. Join us to lead the future of healthcare and make a lasting impact on society.

Medical team, tablet and meeting in clinic for planning, innovation and research for surgery. Mature hospital CEO, people or tech in lobby with results, advice or professional opinion for healthcare.

FuturePark

FuturePark in Cheltenham features state-of-the-art equipment and technology to support your research. It’s particularly useful for those whose work intersects with computing applications.

A teaching space featuring multiple computer workstations.

Equipment and software to support your studies

With more than 500 open-access computers across our campuses, including dedicated 24/7 rooms, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed. Whether you prefer PCs or Macs, each device is equipped with the latest Microsoft Office suite and specialised software, ensuring seamless productivity for research projects.

Student working on Apple iMac in classroom

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