phd scholarship in public health in uk

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PhD/MPhil Public Health

Year of entry: 2025

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Before applying you must:

• Choose a programme or find a project you want to apply for and check you’re eligible.
• Speak to the listed supervisor about your suitability for their project or programme.
• Understand how your project is funded and, if it is self-funded, consider how you plan on funding it.
• Read our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more and ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission.

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out more.

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Undertake research in a field you’re passionate about and join a project addressing leading challenges in the area while working with some of Europe's leading researchers and academics.
• Choose to research at a university ranked and 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings, 2024), where 93% of research activity is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Impact Framework, 2021)
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at the University, through our industry partners, and at hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Benefit from dedicated support throughout your PhD journey, from pre-application to graduation and everything in between, through our Doctoral Academy
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme and progress into a career in research, academia or industry.

Visit our Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research page to find out about upcoming open days and events.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £TBC, Low £11,500, Medium £17,500, High £23,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £29,500, Medium £35,000, High £41,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £TBC, Low £5,750, Medium £8,625, High £11,750 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,750, Medium £17,500, High £20,755

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL (iBT) 90. Each component of the English test should meet the minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 in all components, TOEFL (iBT 22). For the  writing component , we expect you to have achieved a minimum of 6.0 (IELTS).

If your IELTS or TOEFL expires before the start of your programme, you will need to take another official English test before we can issue you with a CAS for your visa application. This is a requirement of UKVI.

For more information about English language tests see  English language requirements .

Please contact us at [email protected] for further information.

English language test validity

Other international entry requirements, application and selection, how to apply, advice to applicants.

Before you start your application, you should:

• Identify the programme or find the specific research project you'd like to apply for.
• Contact the listed project supervisor and speak to them about your suitability for the project.
• Understand how your project is funded or, if you are self-funding, you should have an idea of how you are funding your project and have discussed this with your supervisor.

If you already have funding:

• Find a specific self-funded project and contact the project supervisor to talk to them about your suitability for the project; OR
• Determine your own research project and title, find a potential supervisor in this research area and contact them to discuss supervising your research.

Supporting documents

You'll also need to make sure you have the following documents before you apply:

• Personal statement
• Certificates and transcripts
• Confirmation of funding (if you are self-funded)
• English language ability
• Names and details of two referees to support your application

Visit our ‘How to apply’ page to find out more about the information required for each of these supporting documents.

Any missing information may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Interview requirements

Candidates will be required to attend an interview with their prospective supervisor as well as an independent Postgraduate Tutor. If it is not possible for you to attend in person, we are able to interview by Zoom/video conferencing.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

Programme details, programme description.

Our PhD/MPhil Public Health Research programme enables you to undertake a  research project  that will provide you will high quality training in all three pillars of public health and preventative medicine including health protection, health improvement including health information and health/wellbeing services. Our PhDs/MPhils may involve a range of research methods, including evidence synthesis, analysis of routine data, population-based studies and qualitative research.

To see examples of the types of studies that are carried out, please visit the websites of the Epidemiology and Public Health Group  

http://research.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/epidemiology/  

and the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/facultiesandschools/division-of-population-health-health-services-research--primary-care(19db7129-c98b-4029-a819-8c5ffe20e845).html

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Disability support, career opportunities.

Your postgraduate research degree will open up a range of career opportunities after you graduate. Find out more on the  Careers  page.

Epidemiology and Public Health MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2025 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Epidemiology and Public Health MPhil/PhD (2024), click here

Our PhD programme aims to equip the next generation of experts with the necessary tools to address major 21st-century health challenges and deliver real-world impact.

UK tuition fees (2025/26)

Overseas tuition fees (2025/26), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted at least four months prior to your preferred start date. If you require a visa we recommend allowing

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Epidemiology and Public Health research degree programme is based within UCL's Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (UCL IEHC).

You will join an extremely engaging PhD programme, which currently supports a vibrant community of over 100 students from all over the world.

This programme offers you the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research department with experts who focus on a wide range of public health concerns such as:

• Infectious disease monitoring, prevention and control
• Social determinants of health 
• Dental public health
• Environmental epidemiology
• Disability across the globe
• Health and life expectancy in socially excluded groups
• Health surveys and longitudinal cohort studies

You will be supported to gain a wealth of skills, experience and networking opportunities that are relevant for a wide range of future careers, both within academia and more widely in the healthcare, industry and governmental sectors.

You will receive direct supervision from world-leading academics based on UCL's campus in the heart of London. All PhD students are supported by supervisory panels of multidisciplinary staff, as well as student mentors, and departmental graduate tutors.

Who this course is for

This programme provides training for those looking for a career in epidemiology, public health and health care policy, either in academia, industry or public health practice. It is offered full-time or part-time, the latter option being suitable for those who continue in employment while gaining a research qualification.

What this course will give you

This programme will provide you with access to a wide range of supporting opportunities that will increase your ability to develop transferable skills, sought after by national and international employers.

Skills Development programme

UCL's DocSkills Development Programme is open to all PhD students at UCL and offers an extensive list of development opportunities. The purpose of the programme is to give you the opportunity to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability. Find out more about UCL's DocSkills Development programme .

Mentoring programme

We offer a Peer-Level Research Student Mentoring Scheme and provide all new research degree students with a peer-mentor upon arrival. The mentor you are allocated will generally be a second or third-year PhD student.

We take career support very seriously at UCL and you can find out more within the programme Careers and Employability section .

Early Career Researchers Forum

The Institute's Early Career Researcher Forum (ECF) is an ongoing and expanding programme of regular seminars for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. Previous events focused on how to apply for jobs in academia, authorship and publishing, patient and public involvement in research, using social media in research (including film), how PhD students can best prepare for their viva, and oral and poster presentations.

Journal Club

A PhD and junior researcher journal club group which meets in an informal setting. With the aim of improving student's critical analysis and methodology skills, the Journal Club discusses papers from a broad range of topics on health promotion and disease prevention. The club is run by students and facilitated by a senior member of academic staff within the Institute.

Lunchtime Seminar Series

The Lunchtime Seminar series is delivered by the department's research groups and PhD students. The seminars typically take place once a month.

PhD Poster Competition

Every year we run a PhD student poster competition which is an opportunity to share students work with members of staff, outsiders who will be visiting for our Open Day and fellow students.

3-minute thesis competition (3MT)

The Institute runs an annual 3-minute thesis competition which is an academic competition that challenges PhD students to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. 3MT celebrates the discoveries made by research students and encourages them to communicate the importance of their research to the broader community. It's a great opportunity for students to practice their presentation skills, meet other candidates and have a chance to win prize money.

Teaching Opportunities for PhD Students

The Institute is committed and recognises the importance of providing postgraduate teaching assistant opportunities for PhD students, so they can gain valuable experience during their studies at UCL. Formal training is provided and a wide range of teaching opportunities are offered each term.

The foundation of your career

We produce graduates with the skills and knowledge sought after by government departments and public sector organisations worldwide, as well as leading academic institutions.

Employability

This research degree programme aims to provide excellent and challenging training for exceptional students, so that they may successfully pursue careers in:

• Local and central government
• Public health organisations
• Hospitals and clinical trial units
• Academic researchers and university lecturers
• Policy management
• Government advisors
• Charity and non-governmental sectors

This degree can be varied and may have an international dimension, including fieldwork carried out abroad, setting up a study within the UK or other countries, or using secondary data from some of the UK’s largest, most comprehensive longitudinal datasets many of which are housed within the Institute.

You will also have access to UCL's Doctoral Skills Development programme, which will enable you to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability.

The Institute’s research departments collaborate with third-sector and governmental organisations, as well as members of the media, both nationally and internationally to ensure the highest possible impact of their work beyond the academic community. Students are encouraged to take up internships with relevant organisations where funding permits. Members of staff also collaborate closely with academics from leading institutions globally.

Teaching and learning

Learning is mostly self-directed with input from PhD supervisors. The training and development programme for each student is overseen and supported by a Thesis Committee panel, appointed by the supervisory team.

PhD final assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your ability to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

Your thesis must also represent your distinct and significant contribution to the subject, either through the discovery of new knowledge, through the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views.

Your thesis should reflect the exercise of critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the field.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva. For a successful upgrade to PhD, you prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination.

For a PhD award, you will be examined on your submitted thesis, this involves a viva (an oral exam) with two independent examiners.

Contact hours and hours of self-study are agreed between the student and the supervisor at the beginning of their research degree and should be reviewed on a regular basis. Full-time postgraduate research students are expected to work a minimum of 36.5 hours per week on their project. With the agreement of their supervisors, contact time can be on-site or remote working depending upon the nature and stage of the project. PGR students can have the opportunity to access UCL facilities ‘out of hours’ including weekends and holidays during their period of registration. Students will have research meetings with their supervisors at least once per month. Full-time Research students can take 27 days of annual leave, plus eight days of Bank holidays and six UCL closure days.

Research areas and structure

Our research focuses on a wide range of public health concerns such as heart disease; dental public health; mental health and well-being; and child development and ageing. Our research has significant real-world impact, informing policy both in the United Kingdom and around the world, and the wider public understanding of health inequalities.

Find out more.

Research environment

UCL is among the world's top ten universities (QS World University Rankings 2025) with a reputation for high-quality research. Located in the heart of London, it is a stimulating and exciting environment in which to study.

• Rated number one for research power and impact in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021)
• Ranked 9th in the world as a university (QS World Rankings 2025)
• Ranked 6th in the world for public health (Shanghai Rankings 2023)

UCL can bring the full power of a multi-faculty university to bear on discussions of population health, involving academics from the wide range of disciplines necessary to tackle some of the most difficult issues in public health.

More specifically, UCL IEHC brings together three research departments, whose interests span the life course from childhood to old age, and research from the origins of disease to the development of innovative interventions.

The three research Departments are:

• Behavioural Science and Health
• Epidemiology and Public Health
• Primary Care and Population Health

Full-time students are normally registered for a minimum of three years. 

All students initially register for the MPhil degree before being upgraded (typically early in the second year) to the PhD degree. For a successful upgrade to a PhD, students must prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination. 

Students are regularly monitored to ensure that they are making good progress and that supervisory arrangements are satisfactory to both the student and supervisor. Once the student has completed their research and submitted their thesis, they have a viva (an oral exam) with two examiners.

Part-time students are required to register for a minimum of five years.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There may be additional costs related to participating in scientific meetings, conferences, short courses, or data collection/access, but these are all optional.

Students can apply for financial support (up to £400) provided by the Faculty of Population Health Sciences to participate in conferences.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide .

Funding your studies

View UCL’s funding opportunities for students on postgraduate research courses. 

The following studentships have been received in previous years: ESRC, MRC, MRC/ESRC, NIHR, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, Wellcome Trust, European Union and British Heart Foundation.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

We accept research degree applications throughout the year. Please note: essential information about the application process can be found on the website .

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Year of entry: 2024-2025, got questions get in touch.

Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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Population Health Sciences PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Population Health Sciences

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us online on 12 to 14 November where you can learn more about postgraduate study through webinars, live panel sessions, and one-to-one chat.

Find out more and register

Research profile

The Usher Institute supervises postgraduate research students in a wide range of population health disciplines, including epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, health promotion, health services research, medical statistics, molecular epidemiology and sociology and on a wide range of topics including allergic and respiratory disease, clinical trial and statistics methodology, eHealth, ethnicity and health, genetic epidemiology of complex diseases, global health, palliative care and cancer, society and health and families and relationships.

A principal aim is to foster interdisciplinary research involving quantitative and qualitative approaches via effective collaboration with biomedical scientists, epidemiologists, social scientists and clinical researchers throughout the University and beyond.

Before Applying

Before submitting an online application, prospective students should contact an academic members of staff who may act as first supervisor in order to align their research proposal with one of the Institute's main areas of research. A list of contacts for PhD supervisors can be found at:

• Usher Institute research
• List of supervisors

Training and support

Students will be integrated within the existing student-led approach at the Usher Institute, where structures are already in place to ensure a high-quality student experience.

The Centre for Population Health Sciences, which forms a large part of the Usher Institute, has a thriving PhD community with well-developed management and administrative structures.

University Quality Assurance monitoring and reporting processes will be adhered to. All supervisors will satisfy University requirements in terms of training and mentoring.

Expectations on the students, including assessment guidelines, will be clearly communicated by multiple channels (e.g. at interview, during induction, in the Postgraduate Research Student and Supervisor Handbook, by supervisors, at annual review meetings and on relevant web pages). All students will have at least two supervisors who will also give pastoral care and career advice in addition to student services provision.

Students will attend appropriate training, including transferable skills, at appropriate courses (e.g. from the Institute of Academic Development) identified in consultation with the supervisors.

The Usher Institute brings together researchers active in population health science research, including public health and primary care. In 2024, the Institute moved into an impressive new building, with world-class facilities, in Edinburgh’s Bio Quarter.

Within the school the Usher academic staff play a large role in research project supervision.

There are also links with the Institute of Genetics and Cancer and the Queen's Medical Research Institute.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

MSc by Research: A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

PhD: A UK 2:1 honours degree and a UK masters degree with a mark of at least 60%, or their international equivalents. We will also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, and significant work experience in an area relevant to your research project.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

borrowing money

taking out a loan

family support

personal savings

income from work

employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

• Usher Institute postgraduate funding and scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Administrator, Sarah Golightly
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 7869
• Contact: [email protected]
• Usher Institute
• Usher Building
• 5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter - Gate 3
• Little France
• Programme: Population Health Sciences
• School: Edinburgh Medical School: Molecular, Genetic & Population Health Sciences
• College: Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Population Health Sciences - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd population health sciences - 6 years (part-time), msc by research population health sciences - 1 year (full-time), msc by research population health sciences - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Before making your application, it is advisable to make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your research proposal. Further information on making a research degree application can be found on the College website:

• How to apply for a research degree

You will be formally interviewed (in person, by video-conferencing or Skype).

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Epidemiology and Public Health PhD/MPhil

• Full-time: Up to 4 years
• Part-time: Up to 8 years
• Start date: Multiple available
• UK fees: To be confirmed
• International fees: To be confirmed

Research overview

Specific subject titles have included:

• Epidemiology and Public Health

Other areas of research you may be interested in:

• Tobacco control ( UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies )
• Respiratory disease
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Infection, predominantly respiratory infections ( Health Protection and Influenza Research Group )
• Maternal and child health epidemiology

Growing research areas at the University of Nottingham:

• Mental health
• Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
• Falls and other problems in the elderly population
• Migrant health
• Public Health in disasters
• Evaluation of health systems, programmes and facilities
• Traditional and complementary therapies

Course content

For your postgraduate research degree, you'll complete a research project in your specific field of study and complete a written thesis with expert support and advice from your academic supervisor(s).

The written thesis must be no more than:

• 60,000 words for an MPhil
• 100,000 words for a PhD

These word counts are inclusive of appendices, footnotes, tables, and bibliography.

You'll then take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in-depth to an examination panel.

You'll gain your degree on passing your viva exam.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

If you need advice on which research course is right for you, please check out our guide to research courses .

Multiple start dates are available for this course. Make sure you specify when you would like to start at the university in your application:

Potential start dates include:

We strongly recommend identifying and getting in touch with a possible supervisor before making an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area. Please send them a CV, research proposal and cover letter.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

You should factor some additional costs into your budget such as living expenses, printing and travel.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need to complete your project through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or access to more specific titles.

The School of Medicine may make a contribution to some of your costs relating to attending conferences or research expenses, however, this will be discussed with students as appropriate.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

We are committed to providing support to postgraduate students across the course of their research studies in addition to their project supervision

Postgraduate research students will study as part of a division within the School of Medicine and each division has its own PGR representative who is there to address student concerns and feedback.

Peer support groups have been established to encourage students in all years of their studies to contribute to regular meetings covering issues such as tips for writing up and preparing for the viva. The topics are determined by the students in the group.

Further, students entering their second year of full-time study (or equivalent for part-time students) are encouraged to sign up to the formal Mentoring Scheme   within the School of Medicine which offers one to one mentoring by a trained member of staff.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Nottingham city hospital.

Set within the vibrant city of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital is four miles from University Park Campus .

Your surroundings are key to your success as a student and at this campus your learning will take place within the purpose-built Clinical Sciences Building. Here you are immersed in expert facilities tailored to highest standard of teaching and learning. There are computer rooms, study spaces and informal areas to relax and socialise.  Nottingham City Hospital has a free Medilink bus service to other University of Nottingham campuses.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Our graduates have gone on to roles in clinical medicine, industries like pharmaceuticals, and academia and research.

14 members of our Epidemiology and Public Health teaching staff completed their postgraduate research degrees at the University of Nottingham. Other graduates went on to postdoctoral research posts and fellowships at the university and across the world.

Two of our most notable graduates include the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England and the Director General of the World Health Organisation.

90% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £39,564.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022 . The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Related courses

Medical sciences phd/mphil/mres, medicine phd/dm/mphil/mres, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 01 July 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Research Degrees

Face-to-Face

The DrPH programme leads to a doctoral-level qualification and is intended for leaders and future leaders in public health.

The programme aims to equip its graduates with the experience to deal with the particular challenges of understanding and adapting scientific knowledge in order to achieve public health gains, as well as the analytical and practical skills required by managers and leaders in public health. The DrPH therefore has a dual focus on developing both expertise to conduct and evaluate research and skills crucial for leadership roles in public health policy and practice.

Entry criteria for the DrPH are the same as for the PhD except that evidence of relevant experience in areas of public health policy as well as in management or leadership is required. The rigour and volume of the work are doctoral level, and are appropriate to the personal development of senior public health professionals. Opportunities for undertaking the DrPH programme are available in all LSHTM's Faculties.

Key components

• A taught component comprising two compulsory modules
• Research Study I: an Organisational and/or Policy Analysis (OPA) project
• Research Study II: a research project leading to the production of a thesis

DrPH programme FAQs DrPH programme specification

"Interacting with the teachers, most of whom are leaders in the field, has been extremely inspiring and useful in terms of my own research."

Taught component

The taught component consists of two compulsory modules. In “Understanding Leadership, Management and Organisations” students explore a range of issues and theories relating to management, leadership and organisations and consider the application of these theories both to public health organisations and their own management practice. “Evidence Based Public Health Policy” focuses on key skills required for improving and shaping policy and practice, involving accessing, understanding, developing, disseminating and facilitating the use of the evidence base for better public health outcomes. The modules are delivered between late September and December and we are currently trialling online delivery. We use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and small group work. Students are expected to learn through both directed and self-directed study. Modules are assessed through individual written assignments.

Students are not formally assessed on any other modules but should take modules from the Doctoral Transferable Skills Programme and may choose to study some MSc modules to cover particular skills relevant to their research. This enables students to tailor the programme to their individual backgrounds and needs.

• View module specification for Evidence-based Public Health Policy and Practice
• View module specification for Understanding Leadership, Management & Organisations  

Research Study I: Organisational or Policy Analysis (OPA) project

The OPA project involves research that provides DrPH students with the opportunity to observe and analyse the workings of a public health organisation in its policy environment and to gain a better understanding of how to develop effective public health organisations, influence public policy and deliver public health goals. The project usually involves 3-6 months fieldwork within a host organisation of the student’s choice, during which time the student may be formally employed by the organisation or may be present as an independent researcher.

The objectives of the project that contribute to the overreaching purpose will vary depending on the topic and chosen methodology. It is expected, however, that all OPA reports will cover the following generic objectives:

• To outline the context and key influences on policy (if applicable) in relation to the specific public health issue and organisation chosen for the project;
• To assess the extent to which organisational factors or external relationships constrain or enhance the organisation’s ability to deliver its mandate;
• To develop clear, actionable policy or practical recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the organisation in influencing or delivering its public health goals;
• To gain experience in applying policy science or organisational management theories to the critical analysis of a real world organisational case study.

The host organisation can be any public, non-profit or private institution that is engaged in public health practice or has a public health mandate. OPA projects can be undertaken inside or outside (recommended) the student’s normal place of work.

Students are expected to use an appropriate methodological approach. Data collection methods may include: observations, interviews, focus groups, surveys and documentary analysis. Appropriate approach to data analysis should be used, drawing upon recognised theoretical and analytical frameworks from the relevant fields, for example: management, organisational theory, policy analysis, political science or sociology.

The OPA project is assessed on the basis of a written report not exceeding 15,000 words examined internally by two independent assessors. The report is intended to provide practical advice to the host organisation or policy community in the form of a constructive critique, identifying areas for development or improvement and containing actionable recommendations. At the same time, the report must be soundly informed by literature, theory and robust data collection and analysis.

Progression to the OPA project component is subject to successful completion of the two compulsory core modules. The OPA project report is normally submitted for assessment before commencing the thesis element of the programme.

Research Study II: Thesis project

As for a PhD, the purpose of the DrPH thesis project is to enable students to develop as competent independent researchers and conduct original research. By the end of their studies students should be able to plan effectively and undertake independent research and will have developed key transferable skills. As with a PhD, the thesis topic can be from any public health-related discipline or subject area agreed with the student’s supervisor and the research must be original and make a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the chosen subject.

Research plans are assessed at a formal DrPH Review (equivalent to the “upgrading” for MPhil/PhD students). Whilst the DrPH research thesis must meet doctoral level standards, due to the time allocated for this component (typically about 18 months), the DrPH thesis is necessarily shorter in length and more limited in scope than a PhD thesis.

The DrPH thesis has a 60,000 word limit, excluding references and appendices. 

Programme duration

The period of study for full-time DrPH students is a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years (or four and eight years respectively under part-time study mode). Students are normally required to spend time at LSHTM during the preparation for their OPA project,  preparing and presenting their research project plans to a DrPH Review Committee, or at other key points during the course of the Programme, as agreed with their Supervisors or the Programme Directors. Over the course of their degree DrPH students are normally expected to spend at least 9 months full-time in London.

As the timetable of compulsory modules is fixed, all DrPH students need to commence the programme at the start of the UK academic year in September. The programme aims to be flexible to meet students’ needs while at the same time adhering to excellence in learning and research.

Part-time study

LSHTM requires students who apply for part-time study to be available to study for at least two days per week (not including weekends). Where applicable, a letter from your employer is required to confirm that at least two days per week will be permitted for work on your degree. Please note that in Term 1 part-time DrPH students should allow a minimum of 2.5 days a week for each module they are studying.

Note that the two compulsory modules are taught in the first term. Part-time students have the option of taking one module in their first year and the other module at the beginning of their second year. However, because students are not permitted to start the main phase of their OPA research until both modules have been completed, this can introduce a delay into the overall progression of the degree (students are able to carry out preparatory activities for their OPA and/or research thesis elements between modules but are not able to begin data collection). Consequently many part-time students elect to take both core modules together, effectively increasing their workload temporarily to a full-time mode, followed by a period of a few months without any formal tuition, allowing them to re-balance their other commitments.

*Mobile users, scroll right to view fees

• Doctoral scholarships and funding opportunities

Academic requirements

A student must normally satisfy the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine general entrance requirements as follows:

The normal  minimum  entrance qualification for registration at the School on a Doctoral programme is evidence of an aptitude for research and at least one of the following:

• a master’s degree in a subject appropriate to the course of study to be followed  (recommended)
• a qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed, in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies
• an upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject.

Applicants for the DrPH study are also required to have a minimum of two years' appropriate experience .

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements:  Band B

Please see our  English Language Requirements FAQs  for information

We have a limited number of places on the DrPH programme (20/year). To ensure equity, all applications will be reviewed by a cross-Faculty panel of senior academics. They will consider your work experience, your academic potential, and your research proposal, OPA proposal and personal statement.

DrPH candidates, like students on other doctoral programmes, work closely with academic members of staff who act as their supervisors. It is not essential to have identified a supervisor before applying, but applicants can only be accepted once a suitable supervisory team has been identified and approved. If you apply for a place without already having identified named supervisors then LSHTM will try to match you up with suitable members of academic staff. If we are unable to identify potential supervisors, we will not be able to offer you a place.

See Identifying a supervisor for details of how to find and approach potential supervisors

The research proposal

All applicants should include with their application a short proposal for their thesis research, Research Study II, (maximum 1,500 words including footnotes and references). This is an important way of indicating the extent to which you already understand the background to your proposed research, and the range of methods that may be employed.

This should include:

• Research / topic area
• Specific research question(s)
• Study design
• Data collection methods and analysis
• Approximate research costs and planned funding source

Please be aware that the research proposal submitted with your application does not have to be the final research project: you will have the opportunity to refine your project through discussions with your supervisor after you start. The main purpose of the proposal is to demonstrate that you have the necessary critical thinking skills, an understanding of the relevant research area and an appreciation of the demands of a research degree.

The organisational and/or policy analysis outline (OPA, Research Study I)

Applicants also need to submit a short outline plan (approx. 500 words) for their OPA project (topic for the OPA, methodological approach and type of organisation to target). While many students have a clear idea about where they intend to carry out their OPA project, it is not mandatory to identify a specific host organisation before starting the degree programme at LSHTM. It is appreciated that this information will be preliminary and that proposals may change once applicants have started their studies and have had the opportunity to discuss their OPA plans with their supervisor and DrPH teaching staff. 

Think about how your Research Degree will be funded

You will need to consider how the Research Degree will be funded – tuition fees, living expenses and project costs. The School website contains some further information on potential  sources of funding . Some candidates apply for a place via studentships advertised by the School. Others manage to secure funding from elsewhere prior to applying, and some submit funding applications at the same time as applying for the research degree.

Application for study

Please apply using our online application form.

Please also read  LSHTM's Admissions policies  prior to submitting your application.

Paper application forms are available upon request and will normally incur an administration fee of £50. You must send a copy of the personal details and photograph page of your passport with all paper applications.  Your application will not be considered until you have provided the above documents. 

Application deadline

For September 2024 entry , the final closing date deadline for DrPH application submission is:

• 31 January 2024 at 23:59 UK time  for ALL students, including those who require a student visa and those who do not. 

Deadline for responding to your offer

Applicants are required to respond to their Offer of Admission within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined.

Admissions Application Register interest for 2025/26

Programme directors

General enquiries Email DrPH Administrator

Talk to students or alumni C ontact ambassadors

More information

FAQs Open days Request a prospectus

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2024/25 entry

MPhil, PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Public Health

Tuition fees.

Fee information can be found on the Doctoral Academy web pages

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Entry requirements

About this course.

Excellent research opportunities await at the Public Health Institute, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments with leading experts.

• Study full or part-time over two to seven years
• Choose from a wide range of subject areas (see Details tab for more information)
• Complete your research degree (MPhil/PhD) in a Faculty known for its internationally-acclaimed research
• Explore scholarship opportunities 
• Benefit from expert supervision and researcher training
• Enjoy excellent facilities and great employment connections

The programme route you undertake will depend on your qualifications and experience.

You will be allocated up to four supervisors, including a Lead Supervisor who will work with you throughout your studies and provide you with appropriate levels of support and guidance.

Throughout your studies, you will also have the support of LJMU’s Doctoral Academy which offers expert advice and guidance to those enrolled on MPhil and PhD programmes.

Fees and funding

How to fund your postgraduate research.

Securing funding can be one of the main hurdles you face when considering postgraduate research. However, help is available. LJMU has a team of fees and funding experts who can offer advice based on your personal circumstances. You can contact them on 0151 231 3153/3154 or via [email protected]

Employability

Further your career prospects.

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Studying for a postgraduate research degree enhances your employability in a number of ways.

As well as enabling you to focus on your specific areas of interest and expand your subject knowledge ready for employment in your chosen sector, a postgraduate research qualification enables you to take charge of your career path by demonstrating your contribution to an area of knowledge. It enhances your self-confidence and showcases your ability to work independently and ‘go it alone’.

Some postgraduate research students are already in full-time employment when they begin their studies, whilst others are recent graduates looking to extend their research capabilities and subject expertise.

A good proportion of our students return to their existing roles with enhanced career prospects, others move on to further study or take up teaching roles in educational establishments.

According to a report by the  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) , more than a quarter of graduates felt that their employment prospects were increased by their PG qualification. And when it comes to earnings, those with a postgrad qualification have been shown to earn an average of 24% more than those who leave education with an undergraduate degree.

The student experience

Discover life as a postgraduate student at ljmu..

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Course modules, discover the building blocks of your programme, public health institute, explore the possibilities.

The Public Health Institute is an internationally renowned, vibrant research and teaching community working at a local, regional, national and international level.

The Institute offers expertise in health, research, evaluation, systematic reviews, surveillance, audit, epidemiology and statistics. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach to public health, working with health services, local authorities, judicial bodies, environmental services and community groups.

Research for a higher degree should be an exciting, enjoyable, intellectually stimulating and valuable experience and that is what’s on offer at the Public Health Institute. You will benefit from unique networking opportunities, learn all about research methodology and work with expert academics carrying out innovative research and engagement activities.

The wide range of expertise on offer in the Institute means it is able to provide extensive supervisory opportunities for postgraduate research. And due to the applied nature of the work here, tutors are always able to ensure that research is relevant to professions, policy and practice. Resident academics offer a dynamic, simulating and supportive research environment with regular research seminars, an annual Faculty research conference and training workshops.

You will have a supervisory team made up of academic leaders in their field. This team will maintain close and regular contact with you, assessing your wider training needs and helping you progress your research and uphold the highest possible standards. Based in the Henry Cotton building in Liverpool city centre, you will have your own desk and computer in office space shared with other research students, enabling you to build up a strong peer network.

The Institute’s areas of interest include:

• Drugs: the Institute supports evidence-based drugs policy through epidemiology, monitoring, evidence, review, intervention evaluation and primary research
• Alcohol: the Institute evaluates interventions, reviews evidence and delivers original research into alcohol consumption and harm across a range of populations and settings
• Sexual Health: the Institute provides intelligence, evaluation and research across a range of sexual health-related topics to support policy and service planning
• Violence and Unintentional Injury: the Institute supports evidence-based violence prevention at local and global levels through original research, intelligence, evidence review and intervention evaluation
• Intelligence and Surveillance: the Institute collects data and monitors systems to support Public Health reporting, evidence review, evaluation and research

We also investigate topics such as: Population Health, International Public Health, Environment and Sustainability and Tobacco.

An insight into teaching on your course

To complement your research, specific training needs will be identified on an individual basis. You can study topics such as:

• Advanced Presentation Skills 
• Applying for Ethical Approval 
• How to be an Effective Researcher
• Poster Presentation/Design
• Postgraduate Employability Skills
• Project Management
• Writing Skills including Creative Planning for Writing your Thesis
• Surviving the Viva
• Speed Reading

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.

Final examination for both the MPhil and the PhD is by thesis and oral examination. 

The MPhil differs from the PhD in terms of the depth of study required and the extent of your personal contribution to knowledge. It requires competence in conducting an independent enquiry as well as in the use of appropriate research methods and techniques. Examiners will expect you to display satisfactory background knowledge of the subject. 

To gain a PhD you are expected to show mastery of a special field and to have made an original personal contribution to the understanding of a problem, the advancement of knowledge, or the generation of new ideas. Examiners will expect you to be at the forefront of understanding in your chosen topic. 

If you are studying for an MPhil you may be able to progress to a PhD, via written and oral assessments in Year 2 (for full-time students) or Year 3 (for part-time students).

School facilities

What you can expect from your school.

We offer postgraduate researchers access to excellent teaching and learning facilities plus plentiful social spaces and, of course, support and guidance from our expert academics.

You will need:

• a minimum 2.1 or Masters degree  

Additional information :

• IELTS 6.5 minimum 5.5 in each component)
• 58-64 (minimum 51 in each component for UKVI purposes)
• RPL is accepted on this programme

We also welcome applications from those with non-standard qualifications who can demonstrate knowledge, experience, and skills developed in the workplace or other setting relevant to the programme of research. If you do not hold the standard academic entry requirements, please use your personal statement to provide further details. Non-standard applications will be considered by the Admissions Tutor(s) on a case-by-case basis

If you have any specific queries, please contact  [email protected]

Application and selection

Securing your place at ljmu.

All research degree registrations are subject to approval by the Faculty and University’s Research Degrees Committee. The applications process is as follows:

• Complete and submit your application using this  online form
• You will receive an acknowledgement
• Your application will be considered by the Admissions Tutor
• We will take up your academic references
• You may need to provide further information or attend an interview
• You will be informed if your application has been successful and will find out about any conditions of acceptance

The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.

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