This research degree gives you the chance to pursue a research project based around your own passions and interests, leading to a qualification which can open the door to an academic career or boost employment prospects outside academia. Exploring the decision-making processes and action plans, especially those adopting a ‘policy process’ approach, which are put in place to address specific aims with the health services in the UK and world-wide. Special interests in this area include finance and service contracting, policy implementation studies, quality systems and public involvement. Studying for a PhD or MPhil is a truly challenging and deeply rewarding experience, and Swansea University provides an excellent environment in which to pursue your research studies. A thesis of no more than 60,000 words is submitted, which demonstrates original research that contributes significantly to the subject area. This is then followed by an oral examination of the thesis (viva).