Medical Education
MPhil / PhD / MD
The School of Medicine offers a range of research areas spanning medical education. Our current portfolio includes topics covering the development of professional identity and professionalism lapses and the development of empathy during undergraduate medicine studies. In line with current changes in the NHS and workforce, transitioning into clinical posts and their impact upon wellbeing, is also a research area.
Our research has immediate impact on the training of tomorrow’s doctors
Situated within one of the UK’s larger Schools of Medicine, undertaking a PhD in Medical Education at Liverpool gives PhD candidates based here a unique opportunity to work alongside an engaged and committed cohort of Medical Students all of whom are encouraged to take an interest in the development of medical education, for the improvement of systems and processes for future generations of students.
34
Associate Clinical Teachers for trainee doctors in Merseyside recruited in the 2017/18 Academic Year
1000
postgraduate students in the Faculty.
1
of the largest medical schools in the country.
Research at Liverpool
The University of Liverpool’s School of Medicine is one of the largest medical education providers in the UK. We train and develop doctors throughout their careers, enabling them to use the latest advances to provide exceptional care to their patients.
We deliver teaching and training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as continuous professional development for medical practitioners. Joining our department involves you in this vibrant medical education community.
We work collaboratively; across professions, institutions and departments. Completing your studies with us means an opportunity to work with world-leading educators and clinical staff across a full range of disciplines. In all these areas, our work is characterised by a focus on research excellence and by attention to the real world impact of our scholarship.
We have expertise in a range of methodological approaches, and are happy to hear from potential PhD candidates who are interested in undertaking either quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method approaches to their work. Our current PhD students are using a range of unique techniques, including longitudinal impact studies and narrative interviewing and analysis.
PhD students undertaking their research here often have the opportunity to see the they develop as part of their research implemented immediately into the curriculum, as part of research-led practice.
Research themes
We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers, including:
- Professionalism
- Curriculum Development
- Technology Enhanced Learning
- Professional Identity Development
- Simulation-based training
- Wellbeing and resilience
- Interprofessional / inter-disciplinary working
- Leadership and Management.
Facilities
Research undertaken within Medical Education is usually desk-based, but you may be interested in working with one of our NHS sites. Please visit our undergraduate website pages for details of each of the different sites aligned to Liverpool. We are also willing to consider co-facilitation with other, relevant departments (psychology, sociology, history etc) so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would be interested in such arrangements.
Study options and fees
MPhil
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) can be thought of as a shorter version of the PhD. It requires the same research skills, training, planning, and project management. It can be a way to assess whether you wish to undertake doctoral research - or it can be taken for its own sake.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
PhD
A doctoral degree is awarded to students that have demonstrated the ability to conceptualise, design, and implement a substantial research project that results in new knowledge, applications, or understanding in their field of study. During your research, you can expect to draw on direct clinical and observational experience to produce an original thesis of 80,000-100,000 words. You'll be part of a research group which matches your research interests. Research groups offer opportunities for cross-disciplinary research collaboration, as well as support and expertise for your research.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Fee reduction for self-funded international students on lab-based programmes
If you're a self-funded international student studying a lab-based programme, you'll receive a £2,000 reduction in fees for your first year of study.
MD
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a doctoral degree open to medical practitioners (technically, anyone holding a medical qualification registrable with the General Medical Council). It is equivalent in requirements and format to the PhD.
Fees
| Duration | Home and EU Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,327 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £22,000 (Lab based programmes) £16,700 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only. |
| Part time | 2-6 years | £2,163.50 (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. | £11,000 (Lab based programmes) £8,350 (Non Lab based programmes) (2019) excluding potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter. |
* These fees don't include research support fees (also known as bench fees). After applying, you will receive the total cost to study with us.
Entry requirements
Eligibility and entry qualifications
You'll need a 2:1 or first class or equivalent first degree in a relevant discipline, such as medicine, psychology or sociology. This breadth reflects our commitment to multidisciplinary approaches when investigating complex research questions.
English language requirements
To apply for this research degree, you must have reached a minimum standard of English. You need to be able to provide evidence of this. See our English language requirements for international students for guidance on the different English language qualifications and evidence that you can provide.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from within the EU and from around the world. You should ensure that your qualifications are equivalent to those which are required to study for this research degree. See our guidance on international qualifications.
Additional requirements
Your research can be in any area that matches our research interests and expertise, outlined above. CRB and other checks may be necessary for some project types and every proposal will need to receive ethical approval.
You'll also need coherent writing skills, along with the stamina, self-motivation and organisation to complete a demanding research project.
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
Find a supervisor
Your supervisor is your main source of academic support and mentoring. You'll need to find a supervisor before you start your research degree. It's helpful to identify a supervisor and discuss your research proposal before you apply.
View supervisors in this area
Dr Viktoria Joynes - viktoria.joynes@liverpool.ac.uk
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Dr Paula Byrne
- Email: phodgson@liverpool.ac.uk
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Your training and development
Join us and you'll also join the Liverpool Doctoral College, our home for doctoral support, training and development. You'll join a vibrant and collaborative community of researchers, get tailored support for your development and have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.