PhD Studentship: Tackling Health Inequalities in Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation

The Centre for Evidenceand Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a full-time PhD Studentshipin Health Services  Management, commencing on 1 January 2027 (or September 2027).

The Centre for Evidenceand Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded, full-time PhD studentshipin

Health

Services Management. The studentship is only available to candidates eligible for Home student status. Applicants should check their eligibility before applyingandclearly confirm their eligibilityintheir CVandpersonal statement.

Due to funding requirementsandproject timelines, only applicants who meet the eligibility criteriaandcan start on the specified date will be considered. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply.

This PhD will investigate how to understand and address health inequalities in orthopaedics and rehabilitation. The research will explore how factors including socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, age, sex, geography, language, and healthcare access influence care pathways, rehabilitation experiences, and patient outcomes.

The project will use a mixed-methods design, combining quantitativeandqualitative approaches to develop a comprehensive understanding ofinequalitiesacross orthopaedicandrehabilitationservices.

• Evidence synthesis,including systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses
• Analysis of routinely collectedhealthdata, observational datasets, or patient-reported outcomes
• Qualitative research, such asinterviews or focus groups with patients, clinicians, carers,and community stakeholders, to explore barriers, facilitators,andlived experiences of care

This PhD would suit applicants with aninterestin:

• Musculoskeletalhealth
• Rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics
• Publichealth
• Health services research
• Implementation science
• Experienceinquantitative, qualitative, or evidence synthesis methods would be desirable, although trainingandsupport will be provided throughout the programme.

• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degreeina relevant discipline (e.g.health sciences, social sciences, or related field)
• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) Master’s degree (or equivalent) ina relevant subject (completed or near completion at the time of application)
• Post-qualification experience,including professional qualification sand/or relevant work experience, will also be takeninto account when considering applicants

Please submit the following documents:

• A 1-page research proposal
• A 2-page CV,including the contact details of two referees
• A 1-page personal statement
• Copies of your degree certificates

Please clearly stateinyour CVand/or personal statement that you qualify as a home studentandare eligible for the studentship. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply.

• Dr Julia Gauly
• Dr Michael Mansfield
• Dr Gareth Stephens

The award is only eligible candidates qualifying as UK/home students:

• Fees: £5,238 (FT rate for home applicants)
• Stipend: £21,805 (current rate for 26-27)

Fees: £5,238 per annum (FT rate for home applicants) Stipend: £21,805 pa (current rate for 26-27)