Nils Gutacker

The Centre for Health Economics (CHE) at the University of York is advertising a fully funded PhD studentship for the 2026/27 academic year through the REAL Supply Research Unit . This is a student-oriented research opportunity in health economics focused on the future supply of health and social care workers, healthcare training, migration, and automation/AI in care delivery. The studentship is based within CHE, one of the UK’s leading health economics research groups, and the successful candidate will be registered for a PhD in Health Economics in the Department of Economics and Related Studies. Supervision will be provided by Professor Nils Gutacker . The research environment is described as internationally recognised and highly collaborative, with links to the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre and a strong policy-relevant research mission. Research topic areas include: (1) the consequences of non-marginal changes in recruitment into healthcare training, (2) international migration of the health and social care workforce, and (3) automation in health and social care. The advert also highlights interest in proposals on the economics of AI in healthcare delivery, incentives for preventive services, changes in the organisation of healthcare markets, and the future supply of healthcare workers. Funding : one studentship is available. It covers UK (Home) tuition fees and provides a maintenance stipend for 3.5 years at UKRI rates. International applicants may apply, but they must explain how they will fund the difference between Home and International fees. Part-time study is not supported. Eligibility : applicants should usually have a Bachelor's degree in Economics with at least a 2:1, or a Masters degree (or be close to completing one) in Health Economics or Economics with a substantial microeconomics component and a strong average mark. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are essential. The English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each component. How to apply : applications must be submitted online via the University of York website. Applicants should select a September 2026 full-time start, include the reference RSU PHD 2026 in the funding field, and upload transcripts, a CV, two academic references, and a research proposal of up to 2,000 words in PDF format. If available, published papers may also be uploaded. Deadline : Monday 13 July 2026 at 9am (GMT). Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on Wednesday 12 August 2026, in person or via Zoom.

Centre for Health Economics (CHE), University of York is advertising a fully funded PhD studentship for 2026/27 within the REAL Supply Research Unit , part of the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre. The project sits in Health Economics and focuses on the future supply of health and care in England, with a strong emphasis on policy-relevant economic research. The studentship offers the chance to work on one of three topic areas: the consequences of non-marginal changes in recruitment into healthcare training , international migration of the health & social care workforce , or automation in health and social care . The successful candidate will contribute to an ambitious research portfolio aimed at helping health and care leaders and policymakers build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient system. Supervision will be provided by Professor Nils Gutacker at CHE, and the student will be registered through the Department of Economics and Related Studies for a PhD in Health Economics. The post highlights an exceptional research environment, with CHE described as one of the world’s largest health economics research centres and part of a leading UK research university. Funding: one full studentship is available, covering UK (Home) academic fees plus a maintenance stipend for 3.5 years at UKRI rates. International applicants may apply, but they must explain how they will fund the difference between Home and International fees. Part-time study is not supported. Eligibility: the ideal candidate usually has a Bachelor's degree in Economics with at least a 2:1, or a Masters degree (or near completion) in Health Economics or Economics with a substantial microeconomics component and strong marks. Applicants need strong quantitative and analytical skills, and IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each component. Application window: applications must be received by 13 July 2026 at 9am GMT . Applicants should apply online through the University of York website, select a September 2026 full-time start, include reference RSU PHD 2026 , and upload transcripts, a CV, two academic references, and a PDF research proposal (max 2,000 words). Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 12 August 2026 . This opportunity is especially relevant for students interested in health economics, economics, public health, workforce supply, microeconomics, econometrics, and health policy .

[Full academic fees for 2026/27 entry at UK or international rates plus a maintenance stipend for 3 years at UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025/26). Two studentships available. Awards do not support part-time study.] The University of York is offering two fully funded PhD studentships within the REAL Supply Research Unit, based at the Centre for Health Economics (CHE). These studentships are designed for exceptional candidates interested in advancing research in health economics and supporting long-term decision making in health and social care. The REAL Supply Research Unit, part of the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre, conducts independent economic research to inform policy and strategic planning for the NHS and social care systems. Over the next five years, the Unit will deliver a diverse portfolio of research projects aimed at building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient health and care system. Successful applicants will join one of the largest collectives of academic health and social care economists in the UK, working on research that directly informs policy and supports better decision-making. The studentships cover a range of topics, including recruitment into healthcare training, workforce pay and conditions, international migration, skill-mix, technology diffusion, automation, market power in dental and social care, and incentives for long-term investment. Supervision will be provided by Professor Nils Gutacker or Professor Susan Griffin, depending on the chosen research topic, and students will be registered through the Department of Economics and Related Studies for a PhD in Health Economics. CHE offers an internationally renowned research environment, attracting top students and visitors from around the world. The University of York is recognized for its research excellence and teaching quality, and CHE holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, reflecting its commitment to equality, inclusion, and career development. The department fosters a supportive and family-friendly work culture, ensuring fair policies and equal opportunities for all staff and students. Funding for these studentships includes full academic fees for the 2026/27 entry at UK or international rates, plus a maintenance stipend for three years at UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025/26). Two awards are available, and part-time study arrangements are not supported. Eligibility criteria require applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a 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 component). Applicants must also meet the English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are essential. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, either in person or via Zoom, where they will present their proposed project, including relevant literature, potential data sources, applicable methods, and the skills they bring to their doctoral research. The interview date will be confirmed after shortlisting. To apply, candidates should submit an online application via the University of York portal for the PhD in Health Economics, including a research proposal aligned with one of the eight topic areas. For further information, visit the programme information page or contact the supervisors directly.