Tackling Health Inequalities in Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation

The following funding is available for this PhD:

• For UK students: Fees: 5,238 (FT rate for home applicants); Stipend: £21,805 (current rate for 26-27)

The Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a full-time PhD Studentship in Health Services Management, commencing on 1 January 2027 (or September 2027).

Funding and Eligibility

The studentship is only available to candidates eligible for Home student status. Applicants should check their eligibility before applying and clearly confirm their eligibility in their CV and personal statement. Due to funding requirements and project timelines, only applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and can start on the specified date will be considered. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply.

Project Overview

This PhD will investigate how to understand and address health inequalities in orthopaedics and rehabilitation. The research will explore how factors including socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, age, sex, geography, language, and healthcare access influence care pathways, rehabilitation experiences, and patient outcomes.

Research Approach

The project will use a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to develop a comprehensive understanding of inequalities across orthopaedic and rehabilitation services.

Potential methods may include:

• Evidence synthesis, including systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses
• Analysis of routinely collected health data, observational datasets, or patient-reported outcomes
• Qualitative research, such as interviews or focus groups with patients, clinicians, carers, and community stakeholders, to explore barriers, facilitators, and lived experiences of care

Potential Research Areas

The project may investigate topics such as:

• Inequalities in outcomes following joint replacement surgery
• Access to rehabilitation services
• Persistent pain and functional recovery
• Patient engagement and involvement
• Culturally appropriate and inclusive models of care

The successful candidate will contribute to research that supports the development of more equitable, patient-centred, and inclusive orthopaedic and rehabilitation pathways.

Candidate Profile

This PhD would suit applicants with an interest in:

• Musculoskeletal health
• Rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics
• Public health
• Health services research
• Implementation science

Experience in quantitative, qualitative, or evidence synthesis methods would be desirable, although training and support will be provided throughout the programme.

Supervisory Team

• Dr Julia Gauly (First Supervisor) – Assistant Professor at the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science, with expertise in mixed methods research, evidence synthesis, patient and public involvement, and qualitative research.
• Dr Michael Mansfield (Second Supervisor) – Assistant Professor of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. His research focuses on improving outcomes in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic care, with expertise in evidence synthesis and psychophysical methods.
• Dr Gareth Stephens (Third Supervisor) – Head of Research at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, offering extensive expertise in orthopaedics and rehabilitation, as well as access to valuable clinical and research networks.

Key Dates

• 7th September 2026, 12pm – Application deadline
• 7th October 2026 – Shortlisting outcome
• 19th and 20th October 2026– Online interviews (via MS Teams; includes a 3-minute presentation)
• Outcome of the interviews: 23rd October 2026
• Offers will need to be accepted by the 30th October 2026.

Who can apply?

Eligibility Criteria:

• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, or related field)
• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (completed or near completion at the time of application)
• Post-qualification experience, including professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience, will also be taken into account when considering applicants

Desirable Criteria

• Research experience using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (including evidence synthesis)
• Demonstrated interest in health inequalities, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, or health services research
• Interest in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and participatory research approaches

Which countries and nationalities are eligible?

This studentship is only available to candidates eligible for Home student status. Applicants should check their eligibility before applying and clearly confirm their eligibility in their CV and personal statement.

How to Apply

To apply, please use the link below and select "Apply". You will then be taken to the application portal, where you should choose "PhD in Health Services Management Centre – Full-time (4 years), Birmingham, 2026" and click "Apply Now". Although the advertised studentship is funded for three years, this is the correct application route. The University of Birmingham's application system lists the programme as a four-year full-time PhD, so please select this option when submitting your application.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• A 1 page research proposal
• A 2 page CV, including the contact details of two referees
• A 1 page personal statement
• Copies of your degree certificates

Please clearly state in your CV and/or personal statement that you qualify as a home student and are eligible for the studentship. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply. Please email your applicant number to Dr Julia Gauly (j.t.gauly@bham.ac.uk).