REAL Supply Research Unit PhD Studentships in Health Economics University of York in United Kingdom

[Full academic fees for 2026/27 entry (UK or international rates as appropriate) plus a maintenance stipend for 3 or 3.5 years at UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025/26). Two studentships available. Not available for part-time study.]

The University of York invites applications for two fully funded PhD studentships in Health Economics within the REAL Supply Research Unit, based at the Centre for Health Economics (CHE). These prestigious studentships are part of a major research programme supported by the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre, focusing on independent economic research and analysis to inform long-term decision-making in health and social care.

The REAL Supply Research Unit will deliver a diverse portfolio of research over the next five years, aiming to shape the future supply of health and care services. The Unit’s work is designed to provide health and care leaders and policymakers with robust economic insights, supporting strategic decisions and contributing to a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient health and social care system.

Successful candidates will join the largest collective of academic health and social care economists in the UK, working on research that directly informs policy and supports better decision-making for the NHS and social care systems. The studentships are open to projects in any of the following eight topic areas:

• The consequences of non-marginal changes in recruitment into healthcare training
• The role of pay and contracted conditions in sustaining the health and adult social care workforce for the long term
• International migration of health and social care workforce
• The role of skill-mix in the health and social care production function
• Diffusion of technology and ways of working
• Automation of health and social care
• Public sector market power in primary dental care and adult social care and implications for long-term supply
• Incentives for long-term investment

Supervision will be provided by Professor Nils Gutacker or Professor Susan Griffin, depending on the chosen topic. Students will be registered through the Department of Economics and Related Studies for a PhD in Health Economics. CHE is internationally renowned for its high-quality research and vibrant academic environment, attracting top students and visitors from around the world. The University of York is recognized as a leading research university and is committed to equality, inclusion, and supporting the career development of all staff and students.

Funding: The awards cover full academic fees for the 2026/27 entry (at UK or international rates as appropriate) and a maintenance stipend for 3 or 3.5 years at UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025/26). Two studentships are available. Part-time study is not supported.

Eligibility: Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2:1 or higher) and a Master’s degree (or be about to complete) in Health Economics, Economics, or a closely related discipline with a high average mark (60% or above, including at least 60% in the dissertation). IELTS 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in each component) is required for non-native English speakers. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are essential.

Application Process: Apply online via the University of York portal for the PhD in Health Economics. Prepare a research proposal aligned with one of the eight specified topics. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and present their proposed project, including relevant literature, data sources, methods, and their skills for doctoral research. The application deadline is 30 January 2026 at 4pm (UTC).

For further details and to apply, visit the official application page.