phd in nursing scotland

School of  Health and Life Sciences

The School of Health and Life Sciences is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and knowledge transfer across the disciplines of health, nursing and social care, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology and vision sciences.

PhD opportunities

Within the School of Health and Life Sciences we deliver world leading research across a spectrum of disciplines . We are the largest multidisciplinary, professionally based health sciences faculty in Scotland and also have a London based campus, specialising in public health. If you come to GCU as a PhD student you would be integrated into one of our  dynamic research groups , providing you with a vibrant research environment to build your research skills. We have experienced, dedicated PhD supervisors to support you within our team of PhD students.

As the University for the Common Good, our unique focus is on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals; a global drive to “end poverty, ensure prosperity for all and protect the planet” by 2030.  Goal 3 – ‘Good health and well-being’ is aligned to our world-class researchers work within the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) , focusing on research which contributes to maintaining healthy lives within two key thematic areas; Long-term Conditions and Public Health.

We welcome applications from PhD research students and offer a range of flexible PhD Studentships to fund today’s biggest global challenges.

You can find a PhD project at GCU using the search facility below. Here you can filter your search to view funded, competition funded and self-funded opportunities within your chosen research discipline.

The PhD search tool may take a little time to load, thank you for your patience.

Apply online

Application process

You can submit your PhD application using our online application portal and select from a list of strategic research subjects and intakes.

Fees and funding

Learn more about postgraduate research fees and explore options for funding support.

Clinical Doctorates

Study towards a doctorate degree in nursing, midwifery or professional health studies on the only course of its kind in Scotland.

  • Award Doctorate
  • Start date September 2025
  • Application deadline $value
  • Duration Doctorate full-time: 36 months, Doctorate part-time: 48 to 96 months
  • Mode of study full time, part time
  • Delivery on campus

Our Clinical Doctorate is the only one of its kind in Scotland, tailored to the needs of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals – UK wide and internationally. The course is practice-focused and has been designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare sector.

If you’re passionate about improving patient care, whilst retaining a clinical focus, this course is designed for you. You’ll join professionals from a range of disciplines for on-campus and online study, benefitting not only from the extensive knowledge of the Clinical Doctorate team, but also from each other’s experiences. As a qualified Doctor of Nursing, Midwifery or Professional Health Studies you’ll have the highest level of academic qualification available within your specialism – placing you at the forefront of your profession as a recognised, highly employable clinical academic expert.

Healthcare professionals on the course could include: nurses, midwives, dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paramedics, speech and language therapists, podiatrists, sport psychologists and genetic counsellors.

Top reasons to study with us

Course objectives.

Our Clinical Doctorate course aims to develop you as a clinically focussed senior Nurse, Midwife or Allied Health Professional and put you at the cutting edge of clinical research and practice in your field. Working autonomously, you’ll be able to design and execute research that deals with problems and issues in practice, as well as applying integrated approaches to the evaluation of new and complex ideas and information.

The course is designed to help you:

  • tackle complex ideas and challenge established modes of thinking
  • develop research and scholarship skills harnessed imaginatively to the field of clinical practice
  • prepare to be at the cutting edge of clinical and research practice for your area of expertise
  • become familiar with leading-edge research and enhance your ability to redesign the clinical environment and understanding of the research process

Flexible learning

If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.

Research overview

Our research is world-class and is recognised for its quality and innovation. Highlights from the most Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) analysis include:

  • 100% of our research environment, 80% of our research impact and 83% of our overall research in Allied Health Professions and Nursing is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.

This course is also closely affiliated with the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit – a highly regarded research body whose expertise feeds into our Clinical Doctorate course.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

  • Candidates should normally hold a Masters degree and/or a good Honours degree or equivalent from a university or college recognised by the University of Stirling.
  • UK candidates should hold an appropriate nursing, midwifery or allied health professional qualification and registration.
  • International candidates should hold an appropriate nursing, midwifery or allied health professional qualification and be able to provide evidence of the governance of their professional standards and professional registration (where it exists).
  • Candidates should normally have at least five years post-registration/qualification experience.
  • Selection follows consideration of written application and statement.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .

Course details

Aim for the top of your profession with our unique Clinical Doctorate course.

The course consists of three taught modules, an expert practice module and an empirical thesis. Taught components are clustered into two three-day sessions over the first three semesters, with each taught module studied over one semester.

Course Details

Throughout your studies, you can expect easy access to staff through regular face-to-face contact, video conferencing, email and phone. You’ll benefit from tutorial time in preparation for each assignment, and detailed feedback afterward. Our online learning environment, Canvas, is also available to you via the University portal, and each taught module is supported by a bespoke set of web pages where information, teaching materials and learning resources are uploaded by the module coordinator. Keynote contributions are also made to the Clinical Doctorate course by UK and international academics.

You can study this course full-time over three years or, more commonly, over four to eight years on a part-time basis. The period of study will also vary depending on whether you study for a Doctorate, Masters Degree or Postgraduate Diploma:

The main method of assessment for each module is coursework, with one practice-based examination. You’ll have to successfully complete all taught modules before progressing to the research stage of the course.

Classroom hours

Each module consists of two three-day blocks and six weeks of independent study.

Course director

  • Dr Kathleen Stoddart

+44 (0)1786 466395

[email protected]

The core Doctorate team includes:

  • Dr Anne Taylor
  • Dr Carina Hibberd

Far-reaching clinical academic expertise feeds into the course and into student supervision. Keynote contributions are made to the clinical doctorate programme by UK and International academics.

Fees and funding

Fees and costs.

If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

This fee is charged as an annual course fee. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy .

Doctoral loans for 2024/25

If you're domiciled in England or Wales you may be eligible to apply for a doctoral loan from your regional body:

  • English students can apply for a loan of up to £28,673 from  Student Finance England .
  • Welsh students can apply for a loan of up to £28,395 from  Student Finance Wales .

Funding 

Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000.  See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students .

University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship .

Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our  Postgraduate Merit Scholarship .

If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.

Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.

Additional costs

There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees .

Cost of living

If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.

International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling

Payment options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay

After you graduate

Professional Doctorates are recognised internationally as a qualification granted to those who have reached the peak of professional and academic achievement in their field of expertise.

‌Increasingly within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and health services in other countries a Professional Doctorate in health is seen as an essential academic qualification for progressing to higher level posts.

Graduates have reported the benefits of studying a Clinical Doctorate as being:

  • gaining the confidence to see themselves as an expert in their field
  • the personal fulfilment of achieving the highest academic qualification
  • enhanced critical and analytical thinking
  • confidence within specialist areas
  • the opening of new and advanced career opportunities

Employability skills

As well as greatly enhancing your expertise in your field of healthcare, your studies at the University of Stirling will help you to sharpen transferrable skills in areas such as:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Decision making

Companies we work with

Nursing, midwifery and allied health professions research unit.

The Faculty hosts the  Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit (NMAHP-RU) , funded by the Scottish Government's Health Directorates, Chief Scientist Office. NMAHP-RU has two programmes of research: interventions and quality and delivery of care.

The Institute of Social Marketing

‌The Institute of Social Marketing and Health  (ISMH) conducts research in three key areas: the development and evaluation of behaviour change interventions based on social marketing principles; the impact of public policy on health and social welfare and the impact of commercial marketing on the health and behaviour of individuals and of society more generally.

Staff from across the Faculty, NMAHP-RU and ISMH are committed to sharing their expertise with you every step of the way as you study for your Clinical Doctorate.

T.H.E Awards 2024 - shortlisted - University of the Year

What our students said

Karn Cliffe

I appreciated the relaxed and supportive atmosphere in class from lecturers and classmates.

Related courses

  • MPH Master of Public Health
  • MPH Master of Public Health (Online)
  • MRes Health Research (Online)
  • MSc Advancing Practice
  • MSc Dementia Studies (Online)
  • MSc Gerontology and Global Ageing (Online)
  • MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration)
  • MSc Podiatry (pre-registration)
  • MSc Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visiting)
  • PGCert Design for Dementia and Ageing

Which course would you like to apply for?

Doctor of Nursing

Doctor of Midwifery

Doctor of Professional Health Studies

Search for another course

The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

phd in nursing scotland

Nursing Studies PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Nursing Studies

Introduction to Postgraduate Study

Join us online on 18 December at our live webinar session for an overview of postgraduate study and life at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Our Nursing Studies postgraduate students have an outstanding record of contributing to the knowledge and evidence base in nursing. The programme also has a strong tradition of welcoming students from overseas, as well as the UK.

Our main areas of research activity and development currently relate to the themes of experience of health and illness, and organisation and policy for person-centred care.

The main areas of study we can supervise for doctoral research are:

  • critical care
  • emotions and care
  • mental health
  • addictions and substance misuse
  • public health
  • community care and leadership
  • pain management
  • cancer care
  • nursing education
  • patient safety and quality issues

We have expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative and mixed methods research approaches.

You can find out more about MScR and PhD programme options on the School of Health in Social Science's website:

  • MScR Nursing Studies
  • PhD Nursing Studies

Read more about our research on our website:

Nursing Studies research

Programme structure

The MSc by Research in Nursing Studies provides students with an advanced understanding of research design, data collection and data analysis issues in nursing.

The programme is designed for qualified practitioners and graduates and enables students to develop their understanding of debates about research, evidence and practice in relation to nursing and related fields.

The distinctive features of this degree include:

  • integration of generic social science and discipline-specific nursing studies research training and development;
  • social science approaches to research training in nursing studies; and
  • close links with other disciplines including medicine.

The PhD/MPhil programme allows you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. We are able to offer supervision in a variety of specialist areas.

Normal progression for PhD/MPhil in nursing involves spending the first year preparing for the main research work; taking research training courses, reviewing literature, and developing your research proposal.

Progression to year two of the programme is dependent on a satisfactory outcome from a review board. Typically, the second year is spent doing the body of the research, usually empirical data collection and analysis, and the third year is spent completing the analysis and writing the thesis.

You will be able to attend a wide range of postgraduate seminar courses from across the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. There is the opportunity to attend other courses in Nursing Studies as well as a wide range of postgraduate seminar courses within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and related disciplines across the University.

Nursing studies PhD and MPhil students join a 50-year tradition of scholarship. Our students share courses with others from a wide variety of disciplines.

Those doing higher degrees by research usually undertake research training courses, as well as carrying out their own research. PhD students have two supervisors, one of whom may be from a different discipline relevant to your interests.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

The programme offers education and development for all those interested in developing research skills in the field of nursing. It is designed for qualified practitioners and for graduates (or equivalent) interested in research in the field.

The programme aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of research design, data collection and data analysis issues in nursing. Students will develop their understanding of debates about research, evidence and practice for nursing and related practices.

PhD by Distance option

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes: Clinical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health in Social Science and Nursing Studies.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city - however this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors. The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

For further information on the programme (including entry requirements and how to apply) please see the school website:

  • Health in Social Science PhD by Distance

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

MScR: A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in nursing. We will also consider your application if your degree is in another subject area but you have a professional qualification in nursing or midwifery.

MPhil and PhD: A UK 2:1 honours degree and a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a relevant subject area. We may also consider your application if you do not have a masters degree, but have other professional qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

  • Entry requirements by country
  • English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
  • Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

  • UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

  • Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

borrowing money

taking out a loan

family support

personal savings

income from work

employer sponsorship

  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

  • Postgraduate research scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

  • UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • Search for funding

Further information

  • Postgraduate Research Admissions Administrator
  • Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5144
  • Contact: [email protected]
  • School of Health in Social Science
  • Medical School
  • Teviot Place
  • Central Campus
  • Programme: Nursing Studies
  • School: Health in Social Science
  • College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD by Distance in Nursing Studies - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd by distance in nursing studies - 6 years (part-time), phd nursing studies - 3 years (full-time), phd nursing studies - 6 years (part-time), msc by research nursing - 1 year (full-time), msc by research nursing - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

The School of Health in Social Science operates a gathered field approach to PGR applications - this means that all complete applications which satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline and an admissions panel will meet to consider all applications received together after that date.

The application deadlines and dates for decision are listed in the table. In order to ensure full consideration of your application, we ask that you submit your complete application including all supporting documentation by these dates. More information about what will be considered a complete application and how to apply can be found on our School website:

  • School of Health in Social Science Postgraduate Research

Applicants planning to apply for the University of Edinburgh's funding opportunities must apply by the first deadline.

  • How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

To apply for this programme you must submit the following:

  • a completed research proposal form
  • 2 references
  • the online application form, completed via the ‘Apply’ section above

For guidance on completing the research proposal form, please see the research proposal guidance document provided by the School of Health in Social Science:

  • Research proposal guidance

Before submitting the application, we strongly recommend that you discuss a draft version of your research proposal form with your proposed supervisor and/or with the Programme Director. Please indicate your proposed supervisor when submitting your application. Please read the ‘Discuss and develop your idea’ section in the research proposal guidance document for more information.

Your reference must be specific to your application, on headed paper, signed by the referee, and dated within the last 6 months. Your reference can be uploaded directly by your referee, or you can upload it yourself.

  • Guidance on uploading a reference to the Applicant Hub

We must receive all the information before the deadline for your application to be considered.

If your online application is not ‘complete’ by the application deadline it will be rejected. If this happens, you can submit another application for a later application deadline.

After you apply, we will evaluate your application. If we are able to progress your application beyond the online stage, you will be invited to participate in an interview with your prospective first supervisor.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Our cookies

We use cookies for three reasons: to give you the best experience on PGS, to make sure the PGS ads you see on other sites are relevant , and to measure website usage. Some of these cookies are necessary to help the site work properly and can’t be switched off. Cookies also support us to provide our services for free, and by click on “Accept” below, you are agreeing to our use of cookies .You can manage your preferences now or at any time.

Privacy overview

We use cookies, which are small text files placed on your computer, to allow the site to work for you, improve your user experience, to provide us with information about how our site is used, and to deliver personalised ads which help fund our work and deliver our service to you for free.

The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience.

You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. Please remember to clear your browsing data and cookies when you change your cookies preferences. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Cookies Notice

Manage consent preferences

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.

They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features.

You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. We can’t identify you from these cookies.

Functional cookies

These help us personalise our sites for you by remembering your preferences and settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then these services may not function properly.

Performance cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and see where our traffic comes from, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. The cookies cannot directly identify any individual users.

If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to improve its performance for you.

Marketing cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by social media services or our advertising partners. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to see or use the content sharing tools.

Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but work by uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they won’t be tailored to your interests.

Course type

Qualification, university name, postgraduate nursing in scotland.

94 degrees at 14 universities in Scotland.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Nursing

Nursing is an essential part of modern medicine, providing the care and attention that all of us may need at some point in our lives. The four main types of Nursing degrees include adult, children, learning disabilities and mental health.

A postgraduate Nursing degree will allow you to specialise within one of these fields or help you move into teaching and research. You’ll usually need an undergraduate Nursing degree as a minimum entry requirement or have qualified to be a nurse via an alternatively route such as a degree apprenticeship. Alternatively, you might have a related degree such as Medicine, Midwifery or Social Care.

There are over 700 nursing postgraduate programmes to choose from including Master’s, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas. Some unis also offer PhDs.

What to expect

With such a wide variety of courses and specialist areas, specific postgraduate modules will vary enormously. In general terms, a postgraduate qualification will expand your knowledge in your chosen area and help develop practitioner and research skills.

It’s essential to ensure the course you’re interested in is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC). You may be given the option to study full time, part time or online.

Due to the vocational nature of these postgraduate courses, most graduates use their qualification to progress their career in Nursing. Alternatively, you might use it to go into a related field such as counselling or social work.

left arrow

Related subjects:

  • Cancer Nursing
  • Care of Dying (Nursing)
  • Children's Nursing
  • Community Nursing
  • Diabetes Nursing
  • Drug Medicine Control Nursing
  • Health Visiting
  • Infection Control Nursing
  • Intensive Care Nursing
  • Mental Health and Addiction Nursing
  • Nursing Specialisms
  • Nursing Studies
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Nursing: Specific Conditions
  • Practice Nursing
  • School Nursing

left arrow

  • Course title (A-Z)
  • Course title (Z-A)
  • Price: high - low
  • Price: low - high

Cardiovascular Sciences MSc (MedSci)

University of glasgow.

Cardiovascular disease is projected to remain the single leading cause of death over the next two decades, accountable for considerable Read more...

  • 12 months Full time degree: £10,650 per year (UK)

Critical Care PgCert

The care of critically ill patients is a challenging and highly specialised area of health care practice. The polio pandemic in the 1950s Read more...

  • 3 months Full time degree: £3,550 per year (UK)

Advanced Lymphoedema Management PGCert

This programme will provide the advancing healthcare professional wishing to study at Masters level the opportunity to learn the theory and Read more...

  • 12 months Online/Distance degree: £2,535 per year (UK)

Critical Care PgDip

  • 6 months Full time degree: £7,100 per year (UK)
  • 1 year Part time degree: £7,104 per year (UK)

Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences iPhD

  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Nursing and Health Sciences iPhD

The Nursing & Healthcare School has a thriving community of postgraduate research students, from both the United Kingdom and overseas. Read more...

  • 5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Diabetes, Renal, Endocrine & Metabolic Medicine iPhD

Our aim is to better understand the mechanisms of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases affecting people with the conditions covered by our Read more...

Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences MSc (Research)

  • 2 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
  • 1 year Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences MD

  • 4 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
  • 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

End Of Life Studies PgCert Online distance learning

Around the world there is growing interest in end of life care, assisted dying, and the cultural values that surround death and Read more...

  • 24 months Online degree: £2,384 per year (UK)
  • 8 months Online degree: £4,767 per year (UK)

End Of Life Studies PgDip Online distance learning

  • 48 months Online degree: £2,384 per year (UK)
  • 12 months Online degree: £9,533 per year (UK)

Clinical Critical Care PgCert

  • 12 months Online degree: £4,767 per year (UK)

Clinical Critical Care PgDip

  • 24 months Online degree: £4,767 per year (UK)

Diabetes, Renal, Endocrine & Metabolic Medicine MD

Palliative care pgcert: online distance learning.

This programme is for professionals caring for patients with life-threatening or incurable illness. Students will expand, enhance and Read more...

  • 12 months Online degree: £5,000 per year (UK)

Palliative Care PgDip: Online distance learning

  • 24 months Online degree: £5,000 per year (UK)

Palliative Care MSc: Online distance learning

  • 36 months Online degree: £5,000 per year (UK)

End Of Life Studies MSc Online distance learning

  • 3 years Online degree: £4,767 per year (UK)
  • 18 months Online degree: £14,300 per year (UK)

Clinical Critical Care MSc

  • 36 months Online degree: £4,767 per year (UK)

Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing MSc

This fully online distance learning post-registration qualification is designed specifically for veterinary nurses working in all Read more...

  • 36 months Online degree: £4,551 per year (UK)

1-20 of 94 courses

Course type:

  • Distance learning

Qualification:

Universities:.

  • University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Stirling
  • International College Dundee
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
  • University of Dundee
  • Robert Gordon University
  • University of the West of Scotland
  • The Glasgow School of Art
  • Abertay University

Related Subjects:

The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

School of Health in Social Science

PhD Nursing Studies

The PhD Nursing Studies programme is an advanced postgraduate research degree for students wishing to conduct in-depth independent research on an area to contribute to nursing knowledge and evidence. It offers the student a chance to make a significant contribution to knowledge in nursing.

Please check the  postgraduate Degree Finder  to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines. 

The PhD programme offers the possibility to work with and be supervised by a range of academics across many areas of Nursing Studies, who have international reputations and outstanding publications in their areas of expertise. Our programme is undertaken over three years full-time or six years part-time.   

In the first year, students typically choose a number of optional taught postgraduate courses from within the School of Health, or other Schools within the University, as appropriate to their research programme, and as agreed with their supervisor. Subsequent years of the PhD programme primarily focus on recruitment of study participants, data collection and analysis of the main research, which can then be written up and completed by the end of the third year.

Current Student Research

Why choose this programme.

This programme is an advanced research degree enabling students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, thereby contributing to the knowledge and evidence base for nursing worldwide. Our current and past students have contributed to a range of research areas within nursing and healthcare more broadly. 

A vibrant and inclusive research environment

The University of Edinburgh is a world-leader in research and innovation and an international centre of academic excellence. Students on this programme will become part of an active and diverse research community in the School of Health in Social Science and will have access to the wide-range of learning environments and outstanding resources that the University has to offer. Our postgraduate researchers work in close proximity to each other, enabling them to pool their expertise and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of discovery. Students will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of seminars, talks, and events, and often have the opportunity to present their own research at national and international conferences. Our student-led postgraduate research blog provides a snapshot of the activities and events our PGR students organise and are involved in.

Find out more about ongoing research in our School

Our main areas of research activity and development in Nursing Studies currently relate to the themes of experience of health and illness, and organisation and policy for person-centred care. We have expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative and mixed methods research approaches.

Supervisor Specialties:

Policy, professions and care, sudden interruptions in health, global public health, social justice and health inequity, phd by distance.

There is also an opportunity to undertake this programme through our PhD by Distance option. The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes: Clinical and Health Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health in Social Science and Nursing Studies.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city - however this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors. The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

Find out more about the PhD by Distance

Join our extraordinary Nursing Community

Nursing offers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment as it involves caring for and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are one of the top ten universities in the UK to offer Nursing, and our students' experience is second to none. Find out what it's like to join our close-knit community of international students and staff at the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more about our Nursing Community

The School of Health in Social Science offers several fully funded MScR and PhD studentships each year. A variety of scholarships are available, which vary from full scholarships covering tuition fees and a stipend to cover living expenses, to partial scholarships.

Find out more about our scholarships and funding opportunities

Beyond the programme  

The PhD Nursing Studies offers many opportunities. For instance, graduates who complete a PhD in nursing have gone on to obtain roles as a Director or leader in a variety of healthcare organizations, where they may supervise nursing research or projects. This can also include working for the government, where they may get an opportunity to influence healthcare policy and practice.  

IMAGES

  1. Podcast explores COVID-19 impact on PhD nursing students

    phd in nursing scotland

  2. Career Benefits of PhD in Nursing

    phd in nursing scotland

  3. Nursing and midwife training places increased for seventh consecutive

    phd in nursing scotland

  4. PhD profiles

    phd in nursing scotland

  5. PhD in Nursing

    phd in nursing scotland

  6. School of Medicine

    phd in nursing scotland

COMMENTS

  1. Doctorate Degrees in Nursing, Scotland UK

    Doctorate Nursing in Scotland. 15 degrees at 6 universities in Scotland. NEW SEARCH. Doctorate Nursing and Midwifery Nursing Scotland. COURSE LOCATION UNIVERSITY CLEAR ... Study for a Nursing and Midwifery PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you'll join a friendly postgraduate health science Read more... 6 years Part time degree ...

  2. PhD opportunities

    We are the largest multidisciplinary, professionally based health sciences faculty in Scotland and also have a London based campus, specialising in public health. If you come to GCU as a PhD student you would be integrated into one of our dynamic research groups, providing you with a vibrant research environment to build your research skills ...

  3. Clinical Doctorates

    Study towards a doctorate degree in nursing, midwifery or professional health studies on the only course of its kind in Scotland. Our Clinical Doctorate is the only one of its kind in Scotland, tailored to the needs of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals - UK wide and internationally ...

  4. PhD Degrees in Nursing, Scotland UK

    Nursing is one of the most important health professions in the UK healthcare system anda PhD in nursing represents one of the highest formal qualifications available. This three-to-six-year course caters to registered nurse practitioners, aiming to become leaders in healthcare policy, academia andscientific research.

  5. PhD programmes in Nursing in Scotland, United Kingdom

    Find the best PhD programmes in the field of Nursing from top universities in Scotland, United Kingdom. Check all 9 programmes. Explore; Decide; Apply; Explore. View disciplines. Agriculture & Forestry ; ... Clinical Doctorate. Doctorate / Full-time, Part-time / On Campus. 14,969 EUR / year. 3 years. University of StirlingStirling, Scotland ...

  6. Nursing Studies PhD, MScR

    Nursing studies PhD and MPhil students join a 50-year tradition of scholarship. Our students share courses with others from a wide variety of disciplines. ... The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged ...

  7. Nursing & Health PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Scotland

    We have 35 Nursing & Health PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Scotland University of Dundee The University of Dundee brings together some of the best researchers in the world, developing ideas that positively impact the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of people and their communities, the economy, and the environment.

  8. Postgraduate Courses in Nursing in Scotland

    Discover postgraduate courses in Nursing in Scotland. Search for degrees across universities and find your perfect match. Home; Advice. Masters Study Advice ... (3 Year) (Part-Time) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD; Nursing & Health Sciences PhD (3 years) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD; Nursing & Health Sciences PhD (4 years) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD ...

  9. Postgraduate Nursing Courses in Scotland UK

    Nursing is an essential part of modern medicine, providing the care and attention that all of us may need at some point in our lives. The four main types of Nursing degrees include adult, children, learning disabilities and mental health. A postgraduate Nursing degree will allow you to specialise within one of these fields or help you move into teaching and research.

  10. PhD Nursing Studies

    The PhD Nursing Studies offers many opportunities. For instance, graduates who complete a PhD in nursing have gone on to obtain roles as a Director or leader in a variety of healthcare organizations, where they may supervise nursing research or projects. ... The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with ...