MPhil/PhD Studentship in Case Management Society UK

Investing in excellence: studentship opportunities

The University of Derby has an opportunity for a full-time postgraduate research studentship in the Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Public Services areas of research in the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care (HPSC).

The successful applicant will receive a maintenance stipend (based on the minimum stipend defined by UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26) and home MPhil/PhD tuition fees (£5,006 - subject to amendment) only up to the target submission date.

Please note: if your application is successful and you are assessed as international for fees purposes, you will need to pay the difference between the home fees and the international fees.

The intended intake period is January 2026.

The successful applicant will be expected to complete their MPhil/PhD within 3 years on the MPhil/PhD route, contribute to the College REF submission and get involved in the wider research activities of the College.

Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.

The vacancy details are as follows:

Project description

CMSUK are delighted to announce their first Doctoral Studentship opportunity in partnership with the University of Derby. The CMSUK Doctoral Studentship will support a case management research leader of the future to conduct research that is aligned to one or more of CMSUK research priority areas. These priority areas were identified following a road mapping exercise with strategic partners in 2024 and published in 2025. The funded research must show a clear trajectory to case manager and client benefit.

CMSUK Top 10 Research Priorities

1. Measurement of case management impact and service user experience (outcome measurement tools)
2. Algorithms of best practice and personalised care
3. Barriers to implementation of effective case management
4. Goal setting in case management
5. Psychological support requirements of clients and family
6. Identifying good practice in case management
7. Client peer support programs
8. Data sharing between organisations
9. Timing of intervention: When is case management most/least effective?
10. Use of assistive technology and artificial intelligence in rehabilitation

Who can apply?

We would welcome applications from practicing Case Managers, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses, Psychologists, and other applied researchers including but not limited to: Implementation Scientists, Health Economists, and Digital Health Scientists.

Purpose/objectives

This Doctoral Studentship is intended to provide the necessary skills and training for the development of an independent career in case management research, and to allow the successful candidate the opportunity to obtain a doctoral qualification (PhD) from the University of Derby.

Potential project impact

This is an important opportunity to contribute to, and advance, the case management evidence base. We are looking for exceptional candidates with the motivation and aptitude to deliver a meaningful study with real world impact that can inform and transform case management in one or more of the ten research priority areas.

The CMSUK Doctoral Studentship will be awarded on the recommendation of a panel made up of expert members of the CMSUK Research Awards Group and representatives of the University of Derby, using a system of peer review followed by a candidate interview.

Adjudication

During the adjudication of applications and the selection of the successful candidate, reviewers and panelists will score the application based on:

• The PERSON - the background, career aspirations and potential of the candidate to become a case management research leader in the future
• The PROJECT - the purpose of the proposed research project must be directly related to one or more of the CMSUK research priorities. It must be clear how the research could ultimately be translated into case management practice and, therefore, provide benefit to CMSUK members and/or the injured clients/families they support.

Principal accountabilities and responsibilities

You will be responsible for the design and delivery of a doctoral level study to meet the outcomes of a doctoral award. Applicants must agree to be supervised by at least two supervisors including Professor Charlie Whiffin (Lead supervisor from the University of Derby) and Dr Joanna Fletcher-Smith (external supervisor from the University of Nottingham and Director of CMSUK). An additional supervisor from the University of Derby will be identified.

Application

Applicants must submit a project proposal that should not exceed 1000 words. The proposal should incorporate all of the following headings:

• Title: recognising that this may change should the research project progress
• Problem statement to include alignment with CMSUK research priority areas
• Context: a brief overview of the general area of study within which your proposed research falls
• Initial research questions: the central aim and questions that will guide your research
• Research methods: outline of how you are going to conduct your research
• Research significance: demonstrate the originality of your intended research
• Reference list (excluded from word count)

You should also prepare a personal statement (maximum 500 words) indicating:

• Why you are interested in undertaking a research degree
• Why you are passionate about the subject area of the proposed research project
• Your personal development and career goals

Please note that CMSUK wishes to fund an individual who is keen to support capacity-building in case management research more widely in addition to developing their own career.

To apply

Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.

Completed applications should be submitted via our online application system quoting funding reference: EXT_HPSC_CMSUK_25-26

Apply online

Closing dates for applications: 1 September 2025.

(Please note: we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close before 1 September 2025 if a high volume of applications is received.)

Interviews: 1st and 2nd October 2025.

If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

For other enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:

Director of Studies – Professor Charlie Whiffin - c.whiffin@derby.ac.uk

External Supervisor – Dr Joanna Fletcher-Smith - joanna.fletcher-smith@cmsuk.org

Find out more about our Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Public Services areas of research.

Getting started

Before you begin your application, make sure you have:

Studentship funding reference code

This is provided on the individual studentship advert and must be specified in your application. 

Project proposal

Applicants must submit a project proposal that should not exceed 1000 words. The proposal should incorporate all of the following headings:

• Title: recognising that this may change should the research project progress
• Problem statement to include alignment with CMSUK research priority areas
• Context: a brief overview of the general area of study within which your proposed research falls
• Initial research questions: the central aim and questions that will guide your research
• Research methods: outline of how you are going to conduct your research
• Research significance: demonstrate the originality of your intended research
• Reference list (excluded from word count)

Personal statement

A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.

Your CV

A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.

Qualifications

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.

Passport/birth certificate

A scanned copy of your passport or full birth certificate. This will help us verify your application to study with us. International applicants can provide a copy of their passport only for visa assessment purposes, and their current visa if residing within the UK.

Academic references

Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.