General advice
Please also see the PhD funding application forms (on our website under each announcement) and also our advice guide on thinking about a PhD.
We also suggest that you have a look at the work we have funded to date, both our main research studies and our PhDs: https://arc-em.nihr.ac.uk/research.
Applications need to address one of our 6 priority areas, and not duplicate work that has already been funded.
- Building Community Resilience and Enabling Independence > ageing, frailty, rehabilitation and stroke.
- Data2Health (big data set analysis).
- Ethnicity and Health Inequalities.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing > adult and child mental health.
- Multiple long-term conditions (multi-morbidity).
- Translating and Implementing Sustainable Service Improvements > Implementation science research.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the interview date?
Studentship interviews will be held on 4th and/or 6th June 2024 from 11am onwards (via a Teams call).
How can I find out what work CLAHRC / ARC has funded so far?
Details of all our funded work – live and legacy studies can be found here.
What kind of research can I do?
Your proposed PhD research needs to involve applied health / social care research, that will have a direct benefit to patient / public care and services. As with all NIHR funded work, the research should aim to make an impact within 5 years.
Where can I find the regional ICS priorities?
A list of all Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/integratedcare/integrated-care-in-your-area/. To find the priorities of each, you will need to look at their strategies and delivery plans.
Where can I find the NHS Core 20+5 priorities?
https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/equality/equality-hub/national-healthca...
What we do mean by “applied research”?
In ARC East Midlands, we see applied research as high quality, rigorous scientific research that seeks to provide an answer to a practical problem, which in this case, should be in health or social care.
Our work focuses on addresses specific health or care issues in the East Midlands region, leading to the development of evidence-based frameworks, which drive up standards of care and saves time and money.
For a clear overview of what is basic science and what is applied research.
What is applied research and where does it fit in the research spectrum?
Where should I conduct my research / collect my data?
Your research should, at a minimum, be conducted within the East Midlands region – if it can go further than this, that’s great. The counties of the East Midlands are: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. A piece of advice: get support / approvals in kind from collaborator sites at the point of application – it will save time later!
Who should apply?
Applications should be made by the student – not by their supervisory team. These are personal awards made to the doctoral applicant.
Do you need supervisors confirmed?
Yes; the names of two academic supervisors are needed for the application. We strongly advise that research ideas are discussed with supervisors, and the application form and research proposal are completed collaboratively. However, the proposed research should be the student’s own ideas.
What is the funding for?
The funding is to be used for the completion of PhD study only (not professional doctorates or Masters awards). The funding is to be used for a stipend (monthly payment in lieu of a salary – note, this is untaxed, but as a PhD student you are not eligible to sick-pay, maternity pay, pension contributions) and your university registration fees.
Is co-funding needed?
No – but if applicants can secure co-funding, it may mean they can increase their stipend or have more support for research and dissemination costs. Co-funding can come from Universities, NHS Trusts, Charities, Local Authorities, Industry….anyone! Co-funding can be cash, or a fee waiver, paid study leave, or a combination of these.
Will you fund work that is similar to that which you have already have funded?
No. Each of the studies (including PhDs) that we support must be novel and have its own distinct focus, responding to a gap in the literature / practice-based problem to which there is no identified solution.
Does my supervisor have to be based in the EM region?
Yes. Your primary supervisor must be employed by the East Midlands University you are registered at. Some universities may allow your second supervisor to be based elsewhere – this isn’t an ARC decision, so you will need to discuss this with your proposed supervisors.
Can I study part time?
Yes – we will provide funding for both full and part time studentships.
Do I need a Masters degree to apply?
This isn’t a decision for the funder – but is determined by the University that you want to study at. Please contact your chosen university to check eligibility onto their PhD programme.
Who are UK home / International students?
We recommend if you are unsure of your status, that you seek advice from the University you wish to study at.
If you do not fall under the home fee definition, then you will be classed as an international student. From 1 August 2021, new EU students will also pay international tuition fees.
For more detailed information – and to see whether you fall into any of these, or any other category – please refer to the UKCISA guide 'Will I pay Home or Overseas fees?'
What are international fees?
International registration fees differ according to Universities – you should seek confirmation from your chosen university about what amount you will be charged; however – as a guide, the minimum level for international postgraduate research fees is expected to be over £20,000 per year (for full time registration). Any shortfall between the UK fees and International fees will need to be covered by the applicant (or their organisation) – how these fees will be covered will need explaining and evidencing in the application form. It is not acceptable to suggest using the stipend part of the award to cover registration fees.
Last updated: 05/02/24
This list will be updated regularly as/when new questions are received.