Queen's University Belfast

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Nursing & Midwifery

• Nursing & Midwifery: School of Nursing and Midwifery | PhD
• Overview
• Course content
• Projects (15)
• Entry Requirements
• Fees and Funding
• Apply

Overview

You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from across the world undertaking research in key healthcare areas including our three core innovative research themes, which encapsulate lifespan health research from conception to end-of-life: Maternal and Child Health; Chronic Illness and Palliative Care and Education and Practice. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your research potential in a vibrant research community that prioritises the cross-fertilization of ideas and innovation in the advancement of knowledge. Within the School of Nursing and Midwifery our area of strength is health innovation through co-design and rigorous evaluation of healthcare interventions with policymakers, practice partners, patients and carers. To find out more information on next steps, click here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Study/HowToApply/Postgraduate/

Nursing & Midwifery Highlights

• All Island Collaborative Networking In relation to the Chronic Illness and Palliative Care theme, the school is a constituent member of the All-Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care and through that has developed an island-wide research portfolio. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Research/research-themes/chronic-Illness-palliative-care/
• Impact on the Clinical Environment 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/
• The programme is delivered by leading international academic experts in specialist fields including sociology, nursing, psychology and education. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofNursingandMidwifery/Research/research-themes/maternal-child-health/
• The School of Nursing and Midwifery provides a vibrant environment for postgraduate research training. There are approximately 100 students undertaking a wide-range of social science and health research projects who work closely with academic staff across the school. Students are encouraged to interact both within and across disciplines through formal and informal School, Faculty and University-wide events, some of which are student led and which include an annual doctoral conference.

Key Facts

Research students are encouraged to play an active role in the wide range of research activities undertaken in the school including masterclasses, seminars, and qualitative and quantitative postgraduate taught modules.

• Ranked 4 in the UK for Health and Biomedical Sciences in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework
• Research funding comes from the European Commission (Interreg and Horizon 2020), and also charities including Alzheimer’s Society, Dunhill Trust, Marie Curie, the Burdett Trust for Nursing, Movember Cancer Research UK, and NI Chest Heart & Stroke.
• Other funders include the National Institute for Health and Care 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.

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) 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 174 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027) and 26th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2027). 24 Queen’s subjects are in the top 200 in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2026) including, Nursing (48). The research profile produced by the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) graded 88% 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 Research, Dr Gillian Prue at g.prue@qub.ac.uk

Dr Gillian Prue Director of PGR Nursing and Midwifery Email: g.prue@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

The research degree programme does not have a traditional course structure and is not based on attending classes or completing a set taught component. The School of Nursing and Midwifery does offer postgraduate taught modules on quantitative and qualitative research methods which you are welcome to attend if you feel they would be a useful addition to your learning. Your progress with your PhD programme is measured by the development and completion of your research project under the guidance of your supervisors. Over the course of study, you will attend training and events organised by the Thomas J Moran Graduate School to help you develop as a researcher. 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 to 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 80,000 words. This can be the traditional monograph format or the Thesis With Publication (TWP) model. The main difference between the traditional thesis and the TWP structure is that the TWP allows you to include your authored and co-authored publications in your thesis without rewriting them in traditional monograph format. Following submission, 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. Hybrid Application Process: OCTOBER 2027 ENTRY • Applicants can apply to advertised projects which will be made available from 1 October 2026 until 11 December 2026 by clicking on this link: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html or • Applicants can apply by submitting their own proposal from 1 October 2026 until 11 December by clicking on this link: https://myportal.qub.ac.uk/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2Fpg-admission-application-list%2F JANUARY 2028 ENTRY • Applicants can apply to advertised projects which will be made available from 1 February 2027 until 30 April 2027 by clicking on this link: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/nursing-midwifery-phd.html or • Applicants can apply by submitting your own proposal from 1 February 2027 until 30 April 2027 by clicking on this link: https://myportal.qub.ac.uk/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2Fpg-admission-application-list%2F 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.

Project name | School | Funding | Subject | Status | Sort | Timestamp

The use of mindfulness-based interventions to support women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Pregnancy Loss, Maternal Health, Perinatal Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Mixed-Meth Dr Aine Aventin Supervisor Dr Aine Aventin Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Understanding wellbeing of parents who have mental illness School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Parental mental illness, wellbeing, needs and experiences. Dr Anne Grant Supervisor Dr Anne Grant Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

From conflict to collaboration: exploring simulation as a tool for culture change in healthcare School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Simulation-based learning, workplace civility, organisational culture, healthcare teams, conflict ma Dr Billiejoan Rice Supervisor Dr Billiejoan Rice Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Codesign and evaluation of a digital health intervention for student nurses to support precision healthy ageing School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Digital health, precision healthy ageing, co-design, mixed methods Professor Christine Brown Wilson Supervisor Professor Christine Brown Wilson Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

GAIN: Designing a therapeutic environment in renal disease School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Dr Clare McKeaveney Supervisor Dr Clare McKeaveney Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Delivering community-based palliative care School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Community-based palliative care community nursing health and social care integrated care. Dr Julie Doherty Supervisor Dr Julie Doherty Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Physical activity for children and young people with disabilities School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Physical activity, children, young people, disability Dr Karen McConnell Supervisor Dr Karen McConnell Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Designing, Developing and Evaluating an Interactive Virtual Clinic for Nursing Students’ Remote Assessment and Communication Skills School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Dr Mark Dornan Supervisor Dr Mark Dornan Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Developing and Evaluating a Trauma-Informed Interprofessional Simulation-Based Educational Intervention for Healthcare Practitioners Supporting Women Experiencing Pregnancy Loss, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Northern Ireland School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Dr Martina Galeotti Supervisor Dr Martina Galeotti Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Evaluating Cerebral Palsy Assessment Tools Through Evidence Synthesis and Participatory Research School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Cerebral Palsy Consensus methods evidence synthesis diagnostic standards stakeholder engagement Oliver Perra Supervisor Oliver Perra Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Parental Interventions for Caregivers of Children with ADHD School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Family-centred care; ADHD; stakeholder engagement; participatory research. Dr Oliver Perra Supervisor Dr Oliver Perra Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Facilitating Engagement with Parenting Interventions for Families of Children Born Preterm School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Preterm birth; parenting; family-centred care; public and patient engagement. Dr Oliver Perra Supervisor Dr Oliver Perra Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Preterm infants’ day-to-day interactions with caregivers: A data-driven approach to investigate the role of short-term processes in promoting social learning. School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Preterm birth; Data-driven approach; Longitudinal study; Parenting; Infancy. Dr Oliver Perra Supervisor Dr Oliver Perra Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Ageing in place: supporting older people to live well at home School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Older people, ageing, health, community Dr Patrick Stark Supervisor Dr Patrick Stark Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

Prevention is better than cure- evidence based strategies to enhance physical activity among adolescent girls to optimise peak bone mass and prevent osteoporosis in later life. School of Nursing and Midwifery | PHD Physical activity, bone health, teenage girls Dr Susan Clarke Supervisor Dr Susan Clarke Funding Unfunded Application deadline 11 December 2026 | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Unfunded | Nursing & Midwifery | Open | 2 | 1796947200

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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. Candidates can apply by submitting their own proposal or by applying to advertised projects by uploading 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. All applicants will be required to undertake an interview. 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 .

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 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £23,600

International | £23,600

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

Research Support Costs You will be required to contribute £1,000 per annum over a three-year period to support the direct costs of the research project. These Research Support Costs may include travel for data collection, transcription services, participant reimbursement, printing or recruitment materials, software licences, translation or interpretation services, small items of equipment essential to the research (e.g. digital recorders or secure data storage devices) and attendance at relevant academic or professional conferences.

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?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

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.

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.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

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

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

Research areas