Course content

Research Information

Research Themes
RESEARCH THEME
Chronic Illness and Palliative Care (PhD)

The aim of this research theme is to improve the health and wellbeing of those with chronic illness, and those requiring palliative care and their informal carers. Our team's research fosters a sound evidence base in which multiple research approaches are promoted including epidemiology, ethics, health services research, behavioural sciences and randomized controlled trials. An innovative feature of the team is in pioneering the viability of the palliative care approach beyond the field of cancer care into areas such as dementia care, heart failure, kidney disease and a range of chronic illnesses.

You'll work with an internationally recognised and connected group of researchers conducting research with them to provide new solutions for supportive care in chronic illness and innovative palliative care.

RESEARCH THEME
Maternal and Child Health (PhD)

This research theme is focused on co-designing and evaluating health promoting innovations in the early years to support health across the life course. Our interdisciplinary team lead research in the three interconnected stages of early years research: sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternity care, and interventions to support infants and children with complex health needs, such as acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy. Our team’s research is renowned for developing and evaluating interventions, contributing to the evidence base worldwide in improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes, especially focusing where need is greatest. One of the many valuable innovations we make to the field of Maternal and Child Health is in relation to fathers and prospective fathers, unlocking men’s potential to improve health and social care outcomes for children, and in turn to men’s own health.

You’ll work with an outstanding group of researchers who are at the heart of improvements in parental and child health, recognising that improving health in pregnancy, infancy and childhood is important for adult health and wellbeing across generations.

RESEARCH THEME
Education and Practice (PhD/MPhil)

The school is at the forefront of educational innovation and this theme showcases emergent research and scholarship in education and practice.

This programme promotes the integration of research in curriculum and practice development enabling us to develop the future leaders in nursing and midwifery.

The theme is developing four key areas of activity:

• Technology enhanced learning.
• Promoting mental health and wellbeing.
• Innovations in assessment.
• Simulated learning.

Our vision is to facilitate integrated scholarly activity and promote innovation in health care education and practice.

Research Impact
The school's research is having a profound impact on the health of the population, from cradle to grave.

The enrolment of increased numbers of international students to all our programmes provides a unique and valued perspective of nursing practice to the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The opportunity for students from home and abroad to study together promotes perfect opportunities for sharing ideas and networking.

The school has links with academic institutions and state organisations in many countries including China, Saudi Arabia, USA, Singapore, Taiwan and United Arab Emirates. We have particular expertise in specialist areas of nursing across the spectrum of nursing and midwifery from primary care through to development of leadership and management skills.

Our research Impacts on how we promote health and well-being and deliver patient care throughout Northern Ireland and internationally. More detail can be found at the link below.

Research Success
Queen’s University Belfast is ranked =233 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023) and 29th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).
15 Queen’s subjects are in the top 200 in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2023) including, Nursing (51-100).

The research profile produced by the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) graded 88 per cent of our research activity as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent', and over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent confirming the University’s reputation as an internationally leading establishment. In addition, Queen’s is ranked =4th in the UK for Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education Subject Rankings).

Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Employment after the Course
For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Helen Noble at Helen.noble@qub.ac.uk.

Learning Outcomes

A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.

Course structure

There is no specific course content as such. You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the school which focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods. You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisors.

Over the course of study you will attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School.

You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until you have completed ‘differentiation’.

Differentiation takes place about 9 months after registration for full time students and about 18 months for part time students: You are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with the ‘Differentiation Panel’. The Panel then make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification but this is rare.

To complete with a doctoral qualification, you will usually be required to submit a thesis of up to 70,000 words (less if you pursue a PhD with publications) and you will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.

A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. This includes a writing up year which students can apply for should it be required.

The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or a clinical setting.

Full-time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest. A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.

The part time research degree is an exciting option for professionals already working in the healthcare field who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.

If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from one of our academic staff. Therefore, your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please review the eligibility criteria on the Entry Requirements tab. If you believe you meet these criteria then please follow the steps below.

WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT PROPOSALS AS PART OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS. APPLICANTS MUST APPLY TO ADVERTISED PROJECTS.

Applicants should:

1. Review the available projects from our current list: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html#projects

Applications will be invited from 1 November 2024 until 31 January 2025 for September 2025 entry. If you wish to be considered for admission in September 2025, you should submit your application by 12 noon on 31 January 2025 (anticipated interview date in February 2025).

Applications will be invited from 3 March 2025 to 30 May 2025 for January 2026 entry. For admission in January 2026, you should submit your application by 12 noon on 30 May 2025 (anticipated interview date in June 2025).

2. Apply for your chosen project/s using our Postgraduate Applications Portal and identify the project title on your application.
https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php

Please note, while the Postgraduate Applications Portal will be open all year round, the School will adhere to the two recruitment cycles detailed above.

Assessment

The Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.

The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Facilities

Full time PhD students will have access to a shared office space and a desk with personal computer and internet access.

Learning and Teaching

This is a research degree.

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Entrance requirements

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants are required to upload a PDF cover letter detailing their interests and experiences related to the chosen project. This cover letter should be no less than 600 words and no more than 900 words. Shortlisted applicants will be required to undertake an interview. Further information is available under 'How to Apply'
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html#projects

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£5,006
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£5,006
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£5,006
EU Other 3	£20,500
International	£20,500

¹ EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

² It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Nursing & Midwifery costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Bench fees

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

1.PhD Opportunities

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

2.Funded Doctoral Training Programmes

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

3.PhD loans

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

4.International Scholarships

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.

How to Apply

1. How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Applications are only accepted to current projects found on the Projects tab including further detailed information. https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html#projects Applicants for this course are required to upload a PDF cover letter detailing their interests and experiences related to the chosen project. This cover letter should be no less than 600 words and no more than 900 words.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html#projects

Download Postgraduate Prospectus