Study a part-time, online PhD in mental health
The Mental Health PhD at Lancaster University is a flexible, part-time doctoral programme designed for people who want to make an original contribution to mental health research without stepping away from their current role or existing commitments.
Delivered primarily online, the programme combines expert academic supervision, structured research training and optional face-to-face academies, making it suitable for students based across the UK and internationally.
Whether you work in healthcare, education, public services, local government, research or the voluntary sector, this doctorate allows you to investigate real-world mental health challenges while developing advanced research expertise. The programme explores diverse areas of mental health, including workplace wellbeing, public mental health, clinical practice and the relationship between physical and mental health.
Why choose Lancaster University for a PhD in mental health?
At Lancaster University, we have built a strong international reputation for health research, with our Division of Health Research bringing together academics from multiple disciplines to address complex health and wellbeing challenges.
Reasons to choose Lancaster for your Mental Health PhD
- Flexible online study that fits around professional or personal commitments
- Supervision from internationally recognised mental health researchers with 15 years’ experience of delivering quality online education
- A structured programme combining taught research methods with independent doctoral research
- Join a global network of like-minded students
- Benefit from Lancaster University’s connections with healthcare providers, policy makers and third-sector organisations
- Gain input from people with lived experience of mental health conditions as part of the taught programme
The course begins with a five-day induction academy at our Lancaster campus. This event is a great opportunity to build your network of fellow students and meet your supervisors face-to-face. While we strongly encourage you to attend in person to gain the full benefit of this event, joining online is possible if you are unable to travel.
About our mental health research
Wellbeing is shaped by many different contexts and, because of this, our mental health research expertise spans a wide range of areas.
We take a broad and inclusive approach to mental health, drawing on research from academics working across areas such as organisational health and wellbeing and public mental health within our teaching
As a community of researchers and students, we also explore clinical mental health and the complex interplay between physical and mental health.
Our work employs a diverse set of innovative methods, including randomised controlled trials, realist evaluations, qualitative and quantitative research and other cutting-edge approaches. Supported by grants from national and international funders, we undertake ambitious research that aims to advance knowledge and improve lives.
Collaboration is central to our approach. We work closely with communities and with people who have lived experience of mental health difficulties, placing patient and public involvement at the heart of everything we do.
Who will you be taught by on our Mental Health PhD?
The Mental Health PhD is delivered by Lancaster University's Division of Health Research, a multidisciplinary community of researchers specialising in health services research, psychology, epidemiology, public health and applied healthcare.
Our academic staff bring expertise from a wide range of disciplines and maintain close partnerships with healthcare organisations, the NHS and community services. These collaborations ensure that teaching and supervision remain closely aligned with current practice and emerging challenges in mental health.
Throughout your doctorate, you'll receive individual supervision while becoming part of a wider research community committed to improving mental health outcomes through evidence-based research.
What will you learn?
The Mental Health PhD combines formal research training with independent doctoral research over four to seven years of part-time study.
Our relationships with those who provide mental health services – for example, in the UK this includes the NHS and the voluntary sector - combine with our staffs’ current research interests to inform the content of our modules.
Years 1 and 2
During the first two years, you'll complete online taught modules that will develop the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills you need for doctoral research.
Topics include:
- Mental health theory and practice
- Research philosophy
- Research design
- Systematic reviews
- Data analysis
- Research ethics
- Advanced research management
Years 3 and beyond
From the third year onwards, your focus will shift to an original research project that addresses an important issue within your professional or academic area of interest.
Your research can usually be carried out within your own workplace or local setting while receiving regular online supervision through Microsoft Teams and meeting supervisors during annual academies.
By graduation, you'll have developed expertise in:
- Independent research design
- Critical evaluation of mental health evidence
- Advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Academic writing and publication
- Producing original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of mental health
How will you learn?
The Mental Health PhD at Lancaster University is delivered primarily online, allowing you to study alongside your professional and personal commitments.
In the first two years, you'll complete online research training through interactive modules covering mental health theory, research methods and research skills such as presenting and critical appraisal. Alongside this, you'll receive regular one-to-one supervision from experienced academics via Microsoft Teams.
These two years are common across the range of PhDs that we offer, which also include
You will therefore also build a connection with students studying on these courses, too.
The programme includes an annual autumn academy at Lancaster University, offering workshops, networking opportunities and face-to-face meetings with supervisors. A five-day induction academy, available both in person and online, helps you prepare for doctoral study.
As you progress, the focus shifts to independent research, enabling you to develop an original doctoral project with ongoing support from your supervisory team.
