Real Supply Unit PhD Studentship

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.