Study

PhD Health & Wellbeing

Qualifications and durations

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme comprises a significant piece of research which will enable you to contribute to the academic community through a large written thesis (typically up to 90,000 words). You can complete your PhD in 2 to 4 years (full-time) or up to 6 years (part-time).

Overview

Within this interdisciplinary pathway, students explore the interaction between three important lifestyle behaviours – nutrition, physical activity and substance use (i.e. smoking and alcohol consumption), and their impact on public health and risks for chronic diseases. A particular focus is on preparing students with a range of skills to develop and evaluate interventions and strategies to improve health behaviour.

The pathway is supported by a unique integration of research groups that engage in the latest critical thinking on disease risk determinants and correlates across the lifespan (personal, socio-cultural, environmental, psychobiological); behaviour change of individuals and societies; health inequalities; broader social, political and economic contexts in which research on health and wellbeing is carried out and applied in national and international policy making processes; and strategies to enhance collaboration between academia, industry, and third sector organisations to successfully improve public health indicators.

We encourage applications from students interested in exploring how theory, knowledge, concepts, methodology, and skills from various distinct disciplines can be integrated in a coordinated manner to coherently address important issues, problems and challenges to lifestyle behaviours and public health.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This course is accredited by the Economics & Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP).

If you wish to study for both the MRes and the PhD (the 1 + 3) you should apply for the PhD but indicate on the Application Form, that you also wish to study for the MRes.

Progression from the MRes to the PhD stage is dependent on achieving an acceptable level of achievement (typically an overall average of 60% on at least the taught component of the MRes).

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • A good first degree in a social science subject, or
  • an equivalent degree in another subject, together with substantial relevant work experience.

Underlying these conditions is a belief that students must bring a minimum combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to the programme. Marginal cases are often dealt with at interview, and it is not uncommon for relatively inexperienced students to be asked to defer entry.

English requirements

  • IELTS 7 (with no less than 6.5 in each component)
  • PTE Academic of 69 with no less than 62 in any component

Financial information

Costs

You will find details of available University postgraduate research funding opportunities by checking the funding pages. We also welcome applications from candidates who are able to self-fund or who have funding from elsewhere.

Unique funding opportunities

  • This is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised programme, suitable for ESRC-funded 1+3 awards or subsequent +3 applications.

ESRC-funded students are able to claim (during their studies) for three additional allowances:

  • Overseas Fieldwork Allowance
  • Difficult Language Training
  • Overseas Institutional Visits

For more information on these allowances please see the ESRC Postgraduate Funding Guide. Please note that if you anticipate such activities you should outline the details in your application.

How to apply

Applications must be made online.

Two references are required for this programme (at least one of these should be an academic reference).

Contact

Email: doctoraladmissions@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 385949