PhD Studentships: Health Financing for UHC in Challenging Times: Leaving No-one Behind (HFACT)

University of York

Centre for Health Economics (CHE)

PhD Opportunity

CHE are looking for exceptional students to apply for funded PhD opportunities for the academic year 2023/24.

CHE will fund two studentships in one or more from the following four topic areas within the scope of the project NIHR Unit “Health Financing for UHC in Challenging Times: Leaving No-one Behind” (HFACT):

• Topic 1: Raising money/resources for health 
• Topic 2: Advancing effectiveness and equity in resource allocation for health
• Topic 3: Ensuring and funding access to health care for left-behind groups
• Topic 4: The role of governance and the interaction between the health systems and other sectors

The NIHR Unit HFACT project investigates how countries’ health financing and resource allocation strategies can be strengthened to accelerate the achievement of Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) objectives, with particular attention to left-behind groups. HFACT research, policy engagement and capability building activities have four focus countries: Brazil, India, Indonesia and South Africa. An interest by PhD studentship candidates in proposing research (applied and/or methodological) on one or more of the HFACT focus countries will be particularly welcome.

Full descriptions of each topic may be found on our webpage.

Successful candidates will be supervised in CHE and will be registered through the Department of Economics and Related Studies or the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. This is an opportunity to work with researchers in one of the most successful health economics research groups in the UK. CHE has a leading international reputation, and is one of the world’s largest health economics research centres. You can find more out about study and research at CHE here.

CHE has an Athena SWAN Silver award which recognises our commitment to good practice in recruiting, retaining and supporting the careers of women.

The award

The award will cover academic fees for the 2023/24 entry, at UK or international rates as appropriate, plus a maintenance stipend for 3 years (£17,668 based on 2022/23 figures).

Eligibility criteria

To register in the Department of Economics, the ideal candidate will have (or be about to complete) a master’s degree in economics or a specialisation within economics or a related quantitative subject. The English language requirement is IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component

Process for application

Applications should be made using the University of York on-line application process which can be accessed using this link.

Select the PhD in Health Economics to be registered in the Department of Economics and Related Studies or the Department of Health Sciences. Insert reference HFACT 2023 in “How studies will be funded” field.

In addition, you should upload a draft proposal of 500 - 1000 words) describing your intended approach to one of the four suggested topics, noting the potential methods or approaches that could be used. If you have already published academic papers, one of these may also be uploaded or another example of your written work. Please also provide a curriculum vitae and two academic references.

Applications should be received no later than Monday 10 April by 4pm (UTC).

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed Face to face or via Zoom.

The interviews will take place during the week commencing 24 April 2023.

At the interview, candidates will be expected to give a short presentation on their proposed project including relevant literature, potential data sources and applicable methods.

If you have any further questions, please contact Lily Green.

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