Health sciences and sport research
We’re a multi-disciplinary faculty responsible for pioneering research in a number of important fields: nursing, physiology, psychology, management, sociology, social marketing, public health, primary care and mental health. Our research is world-leading and has been recognised internationally for making a positive and demonstrable impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and society.
Research areas
Research Spotlight
Our research showed that a simple local solution could improve the fitness of school pupils. Now 10,000+ schools have adopted The Daily Mile approach.
PhD opportunities
Explore and apply for current PhD opportunities in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.
PhD subject areas
As well as the specific PhD opportunities listed above, the Faculty welcomes applications from prospective PhD researchers who are interested in being part of our vibrant, supportive research environment. Take a closer look at the subject areas we offer PhD supervision in and find out how to apply.
Clinical Doctorates
Our Clinical Doctorate is the only one of its kind in Scotland, tailored to the needs of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. 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 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.
Health Sciences PhD
Study for a Health Sciences PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you’ll join a friendly postgraduate health science community, where teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2021).
We’re proud of the key contributions made by our research students to our achievements and our PhD students are supervised and supported by leading academics who have outstanding multidisciplinary research records. These include specialists in public health, epidemiology, statistics, social marketing, health psychology, nursing, health services research and evaluation. They have expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. We’re committed to making a difference to world needs in health, wellbeing and society. If you share our passion, the University of Stirling is the perfect place to conduct postgraduate research in Health Sciences.
| Read more about how to apply and see entry requirements | What's the difference between a PhD and an MPhil? |
Nursing and Midwifery PhD
Study for a Nursing and Midwifery PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you’ll join a friendly postgraduate health science community, where teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2021).
We’re proud of the key contributions made by our research students to our achievements and our PhD students are supervised and supported by leading academics who have outstanding multidisciplinary research records. These include registered nurses, midwives and other allied health care professionals, who have interests across the fields of practice and work in research teams in self-care, cancer care, evaluation and public health. We’re committed to making a difference to world needs in health, wellbeing and society. If you share our passion, the University of Stirling is the perfect place to conduct postgraduate research in Nursing.
| Read more about how to apply and see entry requirements | What's the difference between a PhD and an MPhil? |
Sports Studies PhD
As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and Sports University of the Year 2020, we pride ourselves on game-changing research. We’re shedding light on the risks posed by heading footballs, informing the conversation around anti-doping and inspiring the next generation to form healthy habits. Sport is in our DNA, and our research reflects our passion to make an impact on the global stage.
Our campus is home to Olympic athletes, national academies for tennis and swimming and unique five-star facilities – creating a dynamic environment where theory and practice are closely interlinked.
PhD studies in Sport and Exercise Science can be undertaken in diverse contexts from high performance sport to population health. Staff specialisms include genetics and molecular biology, nutrition and hydration, neuro-muscular function and physical activity. Doctoral students join a dynamic, internationally recognised academic community carrying out innovative studies that improve human health and performance and address global challenges.
Meanwhile, our expertise in Sport and Social Sciences allows doctoral students to conduct original studies across diverse sub-disciplines including sport coaching, sport psychology, sport policy, sociology of sport, and sport management, governance and economics. Our strong connections across the sport, health and exercise sectors allow students to address key issues in sport including anti-doping policy, coach education, sport for social change, sport and identity, and sport mega events. Our expertise includes the role of sport in contributing to health and wellbeing, including active lifestyles and workplace health.
| Read more about how to apply and see entry requirements | What's the difference between a PhD and an MPhil? |
Contact us
For general enquiries about research in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, please get in touch.