PhD Studentship: Tackling Health Inequalities in Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation

The Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a ‘PhD in Health Services Management’ (Full-Time Research, 2026/2027 entry), starting in 2026.

Both candidates from the UK and the EU can apply for a three-year PhD exploring health inequalities in orthopaedics and rehabilitation.

The PhD focuses on understanding and addressing health inequalities in orthopaedics and rehabilitation. This project will explore how factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, age, sex, geography, language, and access to healthcare influence musculoskeletal and orthopaedic care pathways, rehabilitation experiences, and patient outcomes.

The PhD will adopt a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative research approaches to develop a comprehensive understanding of inequalities across orthopaedic and rehabilitation services. The project may include evidence synthesis methodologies, such as systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, alongside analysis of routinely collected health data, observational datasets, or patient-reported outcomes. Qualitative components may include interviews or focus groups with patients, clinicians, carers, and community stakeholders to explore barriers, facilitators, and lived experiences related to accessing and engaging with care.

Potential areas of investigation could include disparities in outcomes following joint replacement surgery, access to rehabilitation services, persistent pain, functional recovery, patient engagement, or culturally appropriate models of care. The successful candidate will contribute to research to inform more equitable, patient-centred, and inclusive orthopaedic and rehabilitation pathways.

The PhD would suit applicants interested in musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, public health, health services research, or implementation science. Experience in quantitative, qualitative, or evidence synthesis methods would be advantageous, 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

5 June – Application deadline (including 1-page proposal, CV, personal statement, and certificates). Please email your applicant number to Julia Gauly (j.t.gauly@bham.ac.uk).
19 June – Shortlisting outcome
29th and 30th June – Online interviews (via MS Teams; includes a 5-minute presentation)
Offers will need to be accepted by the 8th July.

Link to the scholarship application form/website:
Please click on the 'Apply' link above and select ‘PhD in Health Service Management, Full-Time Research, 2026/2027):

Funding notes:

For UK students:
• Fees: 5,181 (FT rate for home applicants)
• Stipend: £21,805 (current rate for 26-27)
For EU students:
• Fees: £22,880 (FT rate for international applicants)
• Stipend: £4163

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