University of Birmingham Science Research PhD Scholarship

The University of Birmingham School of Social Policy and Society offers funding for a doctoral studentship to develop a core outcome set for implementation science research. The successful applicant is supervised by academics from the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (CEIS), University of Birmingham. The studentship is based within the CEIS Policy and Methods group and focuses on standardising implementation data collected and reported in implementation research in health.

The opportunity is aimed at applicants applying to a Postgraduate Research doctorate and includes work such as systematic evidence synthesis, engagement with key stakeholders and potential users, qualitative data collection with implementation scientists and stakeholders, consensus-generating methods to confirm the final core outcome set, and considering how the core outcome set can incorporate equity of implementation and address health inequalities.

Selection is based on the information provided in the PhD application and scholarship materials. Applications must be made through the University of Birmingham Postgraduate Application portal, and scholarship application consideration depends on applying for admission. The page also lists academic qualifications and desirable criteria that will be taken into account when considering applicants.

For UK/home students, the studentship covers full tuition fees at the Home rate and an annual maintenance grant for 3 years. For international students, it covers tuition fees at the international rate and a small maintenance grant per year, while remaining living expenses and any visa requirements must be funded from other sources. The funding includes research supervision and access to CEIS development opportunities and research infrastructure.

• Study level: Postgraduate Research
• Qualification level: Doctorate
• Open to anybody from any country and any nationality
• Applicants must have a first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, or related field)
• Applicants must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (completed or near completion at the time of application)
• Post-qualification experience, including professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience, will also be taken into account when considering applicants
• Desirable criteria include research experience using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (including evidence synthesis)
• Desirable criteria include demonstrated interest in health inequalities, applied health research, and/or health services research
• Desirable criteria include interest in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and participatory research approaches

• For UK/home students: full tuition fees at the Home rate (£5,181 per annum)
• For UK/home students: an annual maintenance grant for 3 years (£21,805 per year)
• For international students: tuition fees at the international rate (currently £22,880 per year)
• For international students: a small maintenance grant (£4,163 per year)
• Remaining living expenses and any visa requirements must be funded from other sources

1. Apply for admission through the University of Birmingham Postgraduate Application portal.
2. Select PhD in Health Services Management when applying for admission.
3. After applying, email Dr Ameeta Retzer ([email protected]) with your details and application number.
4. Include the required scholarship application materials with your application: personal statement/cover letter (2 pages maximum), research protocol (2 pages maximum), CV, two academic references, and transcripts (previous qualifications).
5. In your application, mention that you are applying for CEIS, Policy and Methods PhD studentship.
6. Note: Your scholarship application will not be considered if you do not apply for admission.

• Personal statement / cover letter (2 pages maximum) explaining suitability and what you would bring to the PhD
• Research protocol (2 page maximum) to address the proposed research question
• CV
• Two academic references
• Transcripts (previous qualifications)