Organisational Health and Well-Being : PhD

The PhD in Organisational Health and Well Being is an innovative and international first, developing knowledge and understanding of the psychological, social and organisational dynamics in the relationship between work and health. Delivered by our prestigious Division of Health Research, which boasts expertise in mental and workplace health, the degree is your chance to work with world-leading academics on the production of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge development within your area of professional practice.

Combining innovative distance learning and an annual Academy held at the University, this part-time, flexible Doctorate runs over 4-5 years (minimum 4 years). The programme begins with a five-day Induction Academy at the University. Each of the subsequent academic years start with an optional three-day Academy while the rest of the course is delivered via e-learning.

Throughout your studies, we will support you as you enhance your leadership skills and effectiveness, and develop advanced skills in research design, practice and dissemination. You’ll foster critical approaches to the review of evidence and improve your written and oral presentation skills.

Years one and two provide you with training in research and in the theory and practice underpinning healthy organizations. Your specialist module in Year one is Healthy Organisations: the Influence of the Work Environment on Health, which is studied alongside the Philosophy of Research, and, Research Design. In Year two, you will undertake the following modules: Systematic Reviews; Data Analysis; and Advanced Research Planning.

Years three to four/five see you undertake a research project in Organisational Health and Well Being, which will conclude with the submission of your 35,000 word thesis. The project will be supervised from the University but undertaken in your own location or workplace. Supervisions can be via telephone, e-mail or Skype, depending on preference. Face-to-face meetings with your supervisors will take place during the annual Academy.

You will participate in lectures, workshops, group discussions and individual activities during each Academy, while our distance learning approach combines live and interactive lectures, elements to be worked through autonomously, webinars and online collaboration, and group work.

You will benefit from being part of a UK and internationally-based peer group, including: human resource managers, occupational health practitioners, health care workers, health and safety representatives, and applied/organisational psychologists. Working across public, private and voluntary sectors, your fellow students will share an interest in the promotion and creation of healthy work places and will be undertaking formal study at the same time as they are working.

All students have access to a Hub space that facilitates interaction with your cohort and with other programmes, creating a virtual information space that’s also sociable. An academic tutor and then two research supervisors will provide you with support for each step of your PhD. They will also encourage you to attend external workshops and conferences (using University funds, where available, to support this).

Our selection of taught courses will enhance your skills in up-to-date research techniques and provide you with knowledge that extends beyond a single discipline, so you’ll graduate with a wide range of skills that aid employability.