Nursing & Midwifery
School of Nursing and Midwifery | PhDOverview
Within the School of Nursing and Midwifery our area of strength is health innovation through co-design and rigorous evaluation of health promoting and healthcare interventions with policymakers, practice partners, patients and carers. We have two core (Maternal and Child Health; Chronic Illness and Palliative Care) and one emerging (Education and Practice) innovative research themes, which encapsulate lifespan health research from conception to end-of-life.
Your research will be hosted in our School and the Graduate School, extending your potential in the UK and internationally.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery have a number of research projects open for application, however, if none of the projects listed align with your own research idea, you must check whether we can support your area of interest, and identify a supervisor. To find out more information on next steps, click here:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Study/HowToApply/Postgraduate/
Subject Summary
You’ll contribute to the Maternal and Child Health research group’s wide expertise in studying high risk groups in pregnancy, childbirth, infancy and childhood. You’ll work to identify and reduce preventable burdens and complexity in women and their families in the perinatal period and in children with long-term health conditions or disabilities, recognising that health and wellbeing in the perinatal period and early years of childhood is important for adult health and wellbeing across generations.
Nursing & Midwifery Highlights
Industry Links
- In relation to the Cancer Nursing, Supportive and Palliative Care theme, the School is a constituent member of the All-Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care and through that is developing an island-wide research portfolio.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Research/research-themes/chronic-Illness-palliative-care/ - The School promotes the integration of research in curriculum and practice development, working closely with our practice partners to develop the future leaders in nursing and midwifery.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Research/research-themes/education-practice/
Internationally Renowned Experts
- In Maternal and Child Health, we have conducted some of the first UK wide trials on relationships and sexuality education in schools to help better prepare young people for positive sexual and reproductive health and parenting.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Research/research-themes/maternal-child-health/
Student Experience
- We offer fully funded studentships to outstanding postgraduate researchers across our three faculties and five Doctoral Training Centres
http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/FundingandScholarships/PhDFundedStudentships/
Key Facts
- Ranked 4 in the UK for Health and Biomedical Sciences in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework
- Our research is funded from the European Commission under Interreg and Horizon 2020, as well as large charities such as Alzheimer’s Society, Dunhill Trust, Marie Curie, Movember Cancer Research United Kingdom, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.
- Other funders include the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Medical Research Council (MRC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Newton Fund, the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), and the Public Health Agency of NI.
Course content
Research Information
Research Themes
Nursing and Midwifery: Chronic Illness and Palliative Care (PhD/MPhil)
The aim of this research theme is to improve the health and wellbeing of those with chronic illness, especially in relation to chronic heart disease, 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, using: epidemiology, ethics, health services research, behavioural sciences and randomized control 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 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 Themes
Nursing and Midwifery: Maternal and Child Health (PhD/MPhil)
The aim of this research theme is to improve health and well-being in pregnancy, childbirth and early years care and amongst children with long term health conditions or disabilities, 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 focussing 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 Themes
Nursing and Midwifery: 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.
Find a PhD Supervisor
Prospective PhD students should take a moment to look at our website to identify a researcher who could supervise and support them throughout the 3 years of the programme.
Applications must include a named supervisor.
Research Impact
The School's research is having a profound impact on the health of the population, from cradle to grave.
Career Prospects
Employment after the Course
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 helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
People teaching you
Dr Mark Linden
Director of Research
Nursing and Midwifery
m.linden@qub.ac.uk
Course structure
0
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
Feedback can be written, verbal or online, and may come from your supervisor or mentor; the Postgraduate Tutor or indeed, on occasions, from other students.
Facilities
The School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's has one of the most advanced Clinical Education suites in Europe, with a new state of the art Simulation Centre which opened in Autumn 2020. This will prepare students for the increasingly challenging and complex realities of modern clinical practice.http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/ClinicalEducationCentre/
Learning and Teaching
A postgraduate research degree involves the undertaking of independent research under the guidance of a professional academic supervisory team. The student will be expected to develop their own ideas and learn the methods needed to test them empirically and theoretically.
A Positive Research Culture
We strive to create a vibrant and welcoming research culture that is relevant to improving health and well-being.
Student Support
All of the activities of independent academic scholarship, such as literature searching and critical appraisal, written and verbal communications and academic networking will be developed during a research degree. Independence and innovation will be strongly encouraged, but the student will be supported by regular supervisory guidance and a wide range of courses will also be on offer, both in subject specific skills and generic skills, especially supported by the Graduate School (https://www.qub.ac.uk/graduate-school/).
Project name | School | Funding | Subject | Status | Sort | Timestamp |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Participation and Quality of life in disabled young adults.School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Disability, Young People Dr Mark Linden, Dr Claire Kerr
Supervisor
Dr Mark Linden, Dr Claire Kerr
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
30 June 2021
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1625007600 |
Social inclusion for children and young people with complex support needsSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD social inclusion, disabled children and young people Dr Claire Kerr
Supervisor
Dr Claire Kerr
Funding
Funded
DfE CAST
Application deadline
10 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1675987200 |
Identification, assessment, and interventions for sexual dysfunction in chronic kidney diseaseSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Sexual dysfunction, kidney disease, pharmacy, psychology Clare McKeaveney
Supervisor
Clare McKeaveney
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Brief interventions for parents of children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties: an evidence synthesis with stakeholder engagementSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Evidence synthesis, parenting, intervention, cost-effectiveness, stakeholder engagement Dr Fiona Lynn
Supervisor
Dr Fiona Lynn
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
xercise as a radiosensitiser: improving efficacy and reducing toxicity of radiotherapy treatment in lung cancerSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Exercise, Oncology, Lung Cancer, Radiotherapy Gillian Prue
Supervisor
Gillian Prue
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Suicide bereavement supportSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Suicide Prevention Suicide Bereavement Mental Health Promotion Dr Karen Galway
Supervisor
Dr Karen Galway
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Relationships and sexuality Education (RSE) for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilitiesSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Intellectual and developmental disabilities, relationships, sexuality, education, programme Professor Michael Brown
Supervisor
Professor Michael Brown
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
The influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mental health on young people’s involvement with the criminal justice systemSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Traumatic brain injury mental health criminal justice adolescents mixed methods Dr Mark Linden
Supervisor
Dr Mark Linden
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Developing and validating eye-tracking based Executive Functions tests for children with Cerebral PalsySchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Cerebral Palsy; Executive functions; Neurodevelopmental disorder; Cognitive development; Motor impai Dr Oliver Perra
Supervisor
Dr Oliver Perra
Funding
Funded
International DfE - competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Very preterm infants’ day-to-day interactions with caregivers: A data-driven approach to investigate the role of short-term processes in promoting social learningSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Developmental psychology; Data-driven approach; Longitudinal study; Social learning; Infancy. Dr. Oliver Perra
Supervisor
Dr. Oliver Perra
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
The development of a cancer action plan to respond to the health inequities faced by LGBT patients and their families:School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Supportive Cancer Care, Psychononcology , Families, LGBT Dr Olinda Santin
Supervisor
Dr Olinda Santin
Funding
Funded
International DfE – competition
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Web-based intervention to improve physical functioning of the shoulder following surgery for breast cancer.School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Web-based resource, Surgery for Breast Cancer, Rehabilitation Iseult Wilson
Supervisor
Iseult Wilson
Funding
Funded
CAST DfE
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Supporting a holistic approach to personalised care for patients with kidney diseaseSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Kidney disease, personalised care, community-based support, integrated care Julie Doherty
Supervisor
Julie Doherty
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
Co-designing a digital educational resource to improve medication adherence for people living with Parkinson’s DiseaseSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Parkinson's Disease, older people, chronic illness, nursing Dr Patrick Stark
Supervisor
Dr Patrick Stark
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
28 February 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1677542400 |
A mixed methods study to determine the key reasons for individuals with dementia attending the Emergency Department, and recommendations for a best practice approachSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Dementia; nursing home; care home; emergency department; GPs; Out of hours; dementia carers; inappro Dr Gillian Carter
Supervisor
Dr Gillian Carter
Funding
Unfunded
Application deadline
None specified
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | |
A mindfulness mobile application to promote psychological health in patients receiving unit haemodialysisSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Mindfulness, kidney, feasibility. Dr Helen Noble
Supervisor
Dr Helen Noble
Funding
Unfunded
Application deadline
13 January 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1673568000 |
Identification and Management of cardiovascular risk factors during and after pregnancySchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Cardiovascular risk factors, risk management, disease during pregnancy, maternal morbidity Professor Donna Fitzsimons
Supervisor
Professor Donna Fitzsimons
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
30 June 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1656543600 |
Co-designing a sexual health e-resource to support patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) and their partners within the United KingdomSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Sexual health, renal replacement therapy, Kidney Disease Dr Clare McKeaveney
Supervisor
Dr Clare McKeaveney
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
1 March 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1646092800 |
Co-design an innovative intervention with key stakeholders to support clinical assessments using a case study methodologySchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Workplace-based assessments, effective person-centred care Dr Amy Wong
Supervisor
Dr Amy Wong
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
1 March 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1646092800 |
EMDR to minimise the development of PTSD on the NICU: a feasibility studySchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD EMDR, PTSD, NICU, Neonatal unit Dr Breidge Boyle
Supervisor
Dr Breidge Boyle
Funding
Funded
DfE
Application deadline
1 March 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1646092800 |
Co-designing a peer-led digital resource to support people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis to improve adherence with medicationSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Rheumatoid Arthritis, medication adherence, co-design, chronic illness Dr. Gillian Carter
Supervisor
Dr. Gillian Carter
Funding
Unfunded
Application deadline
14 March 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1647216000 |
Building capacity of health professions students to work effectively in digital-enabled workplacesSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Healthcare, digital literacy, health professions, co-design, education Dr. Amy Wong
Supervisor
Dr. Amy Wong
Funding
Unfunded
Application deadline
13 January 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1673568000 |
Cryotherapy for the management of chemotherapy induced side effectsSchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD cryotherapy, chemotherapy Dr Gillian Prue
Supervisor
Dr Gillian Prue
Funding
Funded
NI Dept for the Economy (DfE) & Paxman Coolers Ltd
Application deadline
4 July 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1656889200 |
Exploring public perceptions and understanding about Parkinson’s Disease: An all-Ireland studySchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Parkinson's Dr Gillian Carter & Dr Gary Mitchell
Supervisor
Dr Gillian Carter & Dr Gary Mitchell
Funding
Funded
Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE)
Application deadline
10 June 2022
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Funded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1654815600 |
Implementing a Mindful Resilience programme for nursing staff providing palliative care: a feasibility studySchool of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Mindfulness, Feasibility studies, palliative care, Randomised controlled trials Dr Helen Noble and Dr Clare McVeigh
Supervisor
Dr Helen Noble and Dr Clare McVeigh
Funding
Unfunded
Application deadline
13 January 2023
|
School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Closed | 2 | 1673568000 |
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.
As part of the application process candidates will be required to submit a research proposal and undertake an interview.
http://go.qub.ac.uk/nursing-proposal
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 5.5 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.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £4,596 |
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £4,596 |
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £4,596 |
EU Other 3 | £18,900 |
International | £18,900 |
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. The NI/ROI, GB and Isles fees relate to academic year 2022-23 and will be updated to 2023-24 rates once they have been confirmed. 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 OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe 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 loansThe 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 ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.