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Course overview
Whether you're leading change locally or tackling global health challenges, this course helps you enhance your leadership, research and policy-making skills without stepping away from your career.
The DrPH is a practice-focused doctoral qualification that supports you to grow as a strategic leader in public health. You develop the skills to influence policy, design effective interventions, and respond to the complex challenges facing communities around the world – from infectious disease outbreaks to health inequalities and the impacts of climate change.
As an online student, you benefit from Teesside University's innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), combining academic rigour with real-world application. You access a wide range of interactive resources, connect with expert tutors and peers, and receive personalised support – all within a flexible structure that fits around your professional and personal commitments.
Throughout the course, you are encouraged to apply your learning to your current role or area of interest. Your final Doctoral Research Project enables you to investigate a live public health issue in depth, contributing original insight that supports improved health outcomes in your chosen setting.
Ideal for public health professionals aiming for senior or consultancy-level roles, this programme helps you build a strong academic and professional profile. You graduate with a body of publishable work and the confidence to lead with impact across the global public health landscape.
Where you study
This course is taught 100% online course through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Supporting information for applicants
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 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
This programme is designed to help you become an independent, confident and critically reflective public health professional. 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 benefit from a rich mix of teaching methods, including seminars, IT practical sessions, guided independent study, tutorial support and supervision. Seminars focus on student-led debate and discussion, 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 final Doctoral 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 also supported by the Student Cohort Community (SCC) – a peer-led, action learning network that fosters 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
Our assessment approach is designed to build your confidence as a doctoral-level scholar and public health leader, while making sure you meet the programme’s learning outcomes.
You’ll have regular opportunities to receive feedback on your work before any final marks are given. These activities help you develop your writing, referencing and critical-thinking skills in a supportive environment.
Your formal assessments include written reports, research proposals, essays and a journal-style article ready for publication. You’ll also produce a substantial doctoral thesis based on your own research, discussed in an oral examination (viva).
Together, these assessments let you demonstrate deep theoretical understanding, apply research skills to real-world problems and hone the written, verbal, digital and numerical skills essential for senior public health roles.
Entry requirements
The admission criteria to the DrPH programme is:
• you must have completed the equivalent of 120 Level 7 (L7) credits, relevant to public health: this can be from a postgraduate diploma or master’s or MPhil course normally within the last five years
• applicants who completed a postgraduate diploma or master’s qualification outside of five years will normally need to demonstrate currency of the qualification through two years professional experience in a relevant field supported by an employer’s letter confirming the applicant uses the learning regularly in practice, or provide modules of equivalent learning
• all applicants, both UK-based and international, at the point of application, must provide a short proposal including the area they wish to explore for their doctoral work and proposed methodology
• an interview to explore your expectations and appropriateness for the course, and supervision requirements which will take place through the use of digital platforms
• 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 will enrol onto the course with Advanced Standing through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning procedures (RPL) or through an approved articulation
• other University standard entry criteria apply.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
This course supports your progression into high-level roles across the public health sector, helping you develop the leadership and strategic thinking skills employers are looking for. The Doctor of Public Health is widely recognised by public health organisations and valued by employers around the world.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
