Overview | Research Themes | Details | Entry Requirements | How to Apply | Staff | Contact Details |

Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care, Nurse Education and Public Health
Embark on a journey where your research could pave the way for a healthier future.
We undertake a wide range of health, nursing and midwifery research that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3). Our vision is to be world leading and internationally recognised for our work in tackling real world research that transforms lives and communities.
Studying with us provides a unique opportunity to think critically, research and problem solve with leading experts as part of our academic community. We have several expert research groups that may align with your chosen research
As a member of our vibrant community, you will develop transferable skills as an independent researcher, produce impactful research outputs, engage with local, national and international stakeholders, and influence policy and practice.
Current Research Themes & Areas of Expertise
We have several expert research groups that may align with your interests, and we welcome applications from anyone whose research ambitions link with this expertise.
Our research centres and groups include:
- Applied Research in Nursing and Education research group (ARNE)
- Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP)
- Social and Health Inequalities research group (SHEIR)
- Women’s Health Research Network (WHRN)
Current research undertaken by our staff includes in:
- Dementia education. You can view the work of our Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice here.
- Integrated care. In 2017 we established the International Centre for Integrated Care as a global centre of excellence in leading people-centred integrated care.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). You can view our past and current work here.
- Proactive telecare. A 2022 study looked at proactive telecare outbound calling in Scotland.
- Assisted dying and palliative care.
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Our research maps onto the following UN SDGs which include:
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- SDG 10 – Reducing Inequalities
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was officially recognised in the top 400 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2nd most impactful university in Scotland, and 16th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10).
Entry Requirements
MRes / MPhil / MPhil-PhD
The minimum requirements for an applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil or for the degree of MRes/MPhil with the intention of transfer to PhD shall be a first or second class honours degree of a university in the United Kingdom, or of an equivalent qualification.
Applicants holding qualifications other than those specified in (above) shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed.
PhD - direct application
Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University if the applicant holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom University, or an MRes/MPhil degree of equivalent standard of a non-UK University, provided that the MRes/MPhil degree is in a subject area which is appropriate to the proposed programme of work.
Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University, even if the applicant is not the holder of an MRes/MPhil degree, but does hold an exceptionally high-quality honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, AND has appropriate research experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant peer-reviewed publications, and where verifiable evidence of accomplishment is supplied.
English Language Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
- Overall score of 6.5
- No sub-test less than 6.0
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

NURSING, MIDWIFERY, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE, NURSE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH – PHD
Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy degree
School: School of Health and Life Sciences
Campus(es): Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Dumfries
Start date: October, February, April, or June
Admissions Deadline: September, January, March, or May
Duration: Minimum of 36 months full-time or 72 months part-time
Fees: Tuition Fees for Research Degrees
HOW TO APPLY
Applying for postgraduate research study at UWS has never been simpler. Click the link below to find more information about:
- Postgraduate Research step-by-step guide – everything you need to know to submit a successful application
- Link to our online application system
Research Staff
Dr Audrey Cund
Dr Audrey Cund: Research expertise in mental health, Digital health, telehealth, ehealth, telecare and using technology in nurse education; Mixed Methods.
Dr Lynsay Matthews
Research expertise in Women's mental health, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Dr Rhona Winnington
Research expertise in palliative care, assisted dying and graduate entry nursing students’ experiences.
Dr Sandra Lucas
Research expertise in alternative therapies, nutrition, end of life care, nurse education.
Dr Fiona Smith
Research expertise in Cancer Survivorship, Public health/Health promotion, Infection prevention
Dr Debbie Waddell
Research expertise in healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial stewardship, community centred care, workforce transformation.
Dr Tamsin MacBride
Research experience in older adult, care homes, social care nursing, appreciative inquiry.
CONTACT DETAILS
Please direct general enquiries to healthandlifesciences@uws.ac.uk