Structured Population and Health services Research Education
(SPHeRE)

[Previously known as the HRB PhD Scholars Programme in Health Services Research]

The SPHeRE PhD Programme in Population Health and Health Services Research (PHHSR) aspires to cultivate world-class researchers through a four-year structured PhD Programme which can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. The programme is a joint initiative of senior academic staff from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork. . We welcome applicants from all parts of Ireland and from a wide range of academic and clinical disciplines, including health economics, health policy, biostatistics, health geography and social science, with an interest in carrying out research on health services and population health in Ireland.

The full-time 4 year Structured PhD Programme features:
  • Six taught modules completed in the first year of the programme
  • 8-week specialist rotations in Irish health-related agencies in the first year
  • Choice of PhD project from an extensive range during the first year
  • Opportunities for multidisciplinary research
  • Supervision by internationally renowned Principal Investigators
  • Placement with a prestigious overseas agency to further PhD project development in the second or third years.
  • Professional skills training allowance
  • Travel funds to national training days and international conferences
  • Annual stipend of €18,000 plus laptop computer plus PhD fees

This programme provides excellent training for scholars in core health services and population health research skills. Self-funded applicants, applicants who have secured funding from a source other than the HRB and applicants who wish to pursue the programme on a part-time basis are also welcome to apply. The SPHeRE Programme is subject to funding by the HRB.

Application Procedure

Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the PhD Programme, along with a copy of your Curriculum Vitae and the names and contact details (including email) of two referees to sphere@rcsi.ie by 5pm on Fri 24th May. All documents should be submitted in PDF format. Interviews will be held in Dublin on Wed 12th & Thurs 13th June 2013.

For further information or enquiries, see http://www.rcsi.ie/sphere or contact Elaine Healy at sphere@rcsi.ie