York Strengthens Global Impact with New PhD in Public Health Economics

Universities across the globe emphasise the growing need for health economics for public health policy development and decisions that are likely to affect millions. With healthcare systems under increasing pressure, the need for rigorous research by highly trained economists is greater than ever. Leading institutions, therefore, come up with such opportunities for the most gifted students to contribute to this great field. This has established the University of York among the leading economics research centres in the country, offering a blend of academic excellence and commitment to global impact. Its Centre for Health Economics (CHE) is arguably the largest and most successful research group in the discipline, attracting scholars and students from across the world.

CHE is currently advertising for a funded PhD studentship. Successful applicants will be hosted within one of seven quite topical areas of research that range, allowing them to spend their studentship working with researchers from one of the most established groups in the UK. That student will be supervised within CHE and registered through the Department of Economics and Related Studies at the University of York.

It was also noted that CHE has an excellent international reputation and it is among the world's largest centres that work in health economics. The mission was believed to focus on conducting high-quality research capable of affecting decisions in regard to public health policy. The Centre boasts attracting very well-developed PhD students, as well as visiting scholars from abroad, creating a very lively and supportive research environment.

In addition, CHE was recognised as having an Athena SWAN Silver award as evidence of its commitment to fair recruitment and career support of women. The Centre highlighted a culture of family-friendliness, as well as equal opportunities for all staff. Policies and procedures were said to be designed to ensure fairness and good work practices across the department. It was also brought forth that the University of York has gained great recognition as one of the top research universities in the UK and consistently ranks highly in teaching quality. With such high rankings, it makes York an interesting place for students seeking economics research opportunities and a PhD in public health or related areas.

As for funding, the award will cover the academic fees for entry in the 2026/27 session, whether they are UK or international rates. It will also provide a maintenance stipend for three years at UKRI levels (20,780 GBP for 2025/26). This was presented as a full support structure for students moving ahead with their research for a doctoral qualification. Generally, to apply to the eligibility criteria, applicants are expected to have a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minimum classification of 2:1 and be nearing to finishing of a Master's degree in Health Economics, Economics or a closely related field, achieving at least an average of 60% with a component average of at least 60% in the dissertation component. In addition, applicants will also have the requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component, as part of the English language requirement.

Conversely, applications must be sent on or before 30 January 2026, before 1600h (UTC) according to the application process. The online application system of the University of York is being used to apply. Candidates should enter the reference "CHE PHD 2026" in the funding field and provide transcripts, a CV, and two academic references. A brief outline expressing proposed research approaches should be uploaded, not exceeding 500 words in PDF format, including possible questions, data, and methods. One published academic paper can be submitted should applicants have done so.

Those who are shortlisted may be interviewed in person or via Zoom. The short presentation on their proposed project will be required from the applicants during the interview. This should include relevant literature, potential data sources, and applicable methods, as well as their plans for the studentship and the skills they would bring to their doctoral research.

Editor's Note:

The announcement of a funded PhD studentship in health economics from the Centre for Health Economics (CHE) at the University of York is indeed a landmark event for the institution and the academic community at large. The pressures on health systems have reached an unprecedented level, and the demand for sound, rigorous economic research to inform public health policy has never been more urgent. This opportunity reflects universities' significant role in training high-level scholars whose work will tackle issues affecting millions. CHE's reputation as a leading and one of the largest centres for health services research will ensure that the successful candidate will be enjoying a lively as well as and internationally recognised environment. This funding will include investment for excellent academic as well as innovative financing and global collaboration. With such full funding and structured support, outstanding students will be given opportunities to undertake research that will quickly impact health policy decisions and shape future healthcare.

Skoobuzz views this initiative as holding great importance because it has the potential to be a bridge between academic learning and real-world applications. It demonstrates how higher education can be a lever of change, an important instrument through which the next generation of economists will learn to make meaningful contributions to society.

FAQs

Q1. What is the funded PhD opportunity in Health Economics at the University of York?

The Centre for Health Economics (CHE) at the University of York is offering a funded PhD studentship. The successful candidate will work within one of seven topical areas of research, supervised by CHE staff, and registered through the Department of Economics and Related Studies.

Q2. Why is health economics important for public health policy?

Universities worldwide emphasise the growing need for health economics because it provides evidence for public health policy decisions that affect millions. With healthcare systems under pressure, rigorous research by trained economists is vital for shaping effective policies.

Q3. What makes the Centre for Health Economics (CHE) unique?

CHE is one of the largest and most successful centres for health services research globally. It has an international reputation for high‑quality research that influences health policy. The Centre attracts PhD students and visiting scholars from around the world, creating a lively and supportive research environment.

Q4. What recognition has CHE received for equality and diversity?

CHE holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, which recognises its commitment to fair recruitment, career support for women, and equal opportunities for all staff. It fosters a family‑friendly culture and ensures fair policies and practices across the department.

Q5. Why is the University of York considered one of the best universities in the UK for economics research?

The University of York is widely recognised as a leading research university in the UK and consistently ranks highly for teaching quality. Its reputation makes it an attractive choice for students seeking economics research opportunities and a PhD in public health or related areas.

Q6. What is the funding structure for the PhD studentship?

The award covers academic fees for the 2026/27 entry, at UK or international rates. It also provides a maintenance stipend for three years at UKRI levels (£20,780 for 2025/26). This ensures full financial support for students during their doctoral studies.

Q7. What are the eligibility criteria for the PhD in Health Economics?

Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with at least a 2:1 classification. They should also have completed, or be close to finishing, a Master’s degree in Health Economics, Economics, or a closely related field, with an average mark of 60% or above, including at least 60% in the dissertation. The English language requirements are an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Q8. How can I apply for the funded PhD in Health Economics at the University of York?

Applications must be submitted online via the University of York’s system by 30 January 2026 before 16.00h (UTC). Candidates should enter the reference CHE PHD 2026 in the funding field and provide transcripts, a CV, and two academic references. A short outline of proposed research (up to 500 words in PDF format) must also be uploaded. Applicants may submit one published academic paper if available.

Q9. What is expected during the interview process?

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed either in person or via Zoom. They will be asked to give a short presentation on their proposed project, including relevant literature, potential data sources, and applicable methods. The presentation should also highlight their plans for the studentship and the skills they would bring to their doctoral research.

Q10. Why is this PhD studentship considered important?

The studentship is seen as a landmark opportunity because it bridges academic learning with real‑world impact. It enables outstanding students to contribute to economics research opportunities that directly influence health policy and future healthcare systems, preparing them to become global leaders in the field.