Course overview
Whether you're a medical, nursing, allied health or social science professional, learn to shape policy, influence practice and lead meaningful change within complex healthcare environments.
You gain the tools to analyse and respond to global health challenges, translating best evidence into effective public health action. With a focus on real-world application, explore the social, economic and environmental drivers of health, and develop sustainable, evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
Learn from an experienced team of public health researchers and practitioners, and work collaboratively in a diverse academic community. Gain support to become a confident and independent researcher and strategic leader.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Developing Contemporary and Novel Research
Build your skills and knowledge in research methods and project management. You focus on extending your understanding of theoretical paradigms underpinning research, advanced project management, data collection and analysis, research ethics and governance, applying these to your specific professional practice or discipline.
Project Focused Negotiated Learning
You study a topic in your specific area of practice, critically evaluating relevant theory and research and linking to practice. The content of this module is negotiated by you and your supervising tutor at the start of the semester. Support is provided to you through the virtual learning environment.
Public Health Doctoral Research Project
You establish yourself as an independent researcher - a pivotal point of the programme and your personal and professional development. You creatively apply advanced research principles to professional and practice-based contexts, demonstrating the ability to generate new knowledge, influence practice and shape policy. Guided by your supervisory team, you plan, conduct and present a substantial body of research through a 60,000-word thesis. You complete an oral exam, demonstrating critical engagement with your research, its methodological rigour and its impact on the wider public health landscape.
You explore different ways of communicating research to a variety of audiences. You also develop skills to disseminate knowledge through a range of activities, such as writing for publication, presenting at conferences and writing blogs.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Learning is student-centred and research-informed, encouraging you to take ownership of your academic journey and engage critically with complex public health issues.
You learn through seminars, IT practical sessions, guided independent study, tutorial support and supervision. Seminars focus on student-led debates and discussions, developing your ability to think analytically and defend your position on key issues relevant to public health research and practice.
A key focus is your research project – a substantial, independent piece of research where you apply what you've learned to explore a real-world public health challenge. This is supported by regular academic supervision and a strong emphasis on critical enquiry and evidence-based practice.
You’re supported by the student cohort community – a peer-led, action learning network that encourages collaboration, enhances retention and progression, and provides a platform for staff and students to work in partnership to improve the learning experience.
How you are assessed
Assessments are designed to build your confidence as a doctoral-level scholar and public health leader, ensuring you meet the learning outcomes.
Regular opportunities for feedback before final marks are given help you develop your writing, referencing and critical-thinking skills in a supportive environment.
Formal assessments include written reports, research proposals, essays and a journal-style article ready for publication. You produce a substantial doctoral thesis based on your research, discussed in an oral exam.
These assessments allow you to demonstrate deep theoretical understanding, apply research skills to real-world problems and sharpen your written, verbal, digital and numerical skills, essential for senior public health roles.
Entry requirements
You must have completed the equivalent of 120 level 7 credits relevant to public health, in the form of a postgraduate diploma, master’s or MPhil course, normally within the last five years.
If you have completed the above outside of five years, you need to demonstrate currency of the qualification through two years of professional experience in a relevant field, supported by an employer’s letter confirming you use the learning regularly in practice, or provide modules of equivalent learning.
All applicants (UK and international) must provide a short proposal including the area they wish to explore for their doctoral work and proposed methodology, and an online interview to explore your expectations, if you are appropriate for the course, and supervision requirements.
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to satisfy the English language requirements which are a minimum overall score of 6.5 IELTS and 5.5 in each band.
You enrol onto the course with Advanced Standing through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning procedures (RPL) or through an approved articulation.
International applicants
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
What you need
To access the on-campus facilities you need a HTML5-capable web browser on a computer such as a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. HTML5-capable web browsers that can be used include the following:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
For some sessions you can also access sessions on the following browsers and devices:
- Chrome or Safari on an iPad (iOS 11 or later)
- Android (Android 8 or later)
- Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 10) tablet
Don't have your own device yet?
Don't worry - we have a bank of devices available for you to loan whenever you are on campus.
You can also access Adobe Studio - a suite of industry standard creative apps.
Employability
Career opportunities
This course is ideal if you are aiming for a consultancy-level role or a senior leadership position in public health. Develop the leadership and strategic thinking skills employers are looking for and progress into high-level roles across the sector. You graduate with a strong academic and professional profile, a portfolio of published work and the skills to make a lasting impact on public health practice across the globe. The Doctor of Public Health is widely recognised by public health organisations and valued by employers around the world.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.