Doctorate in Public Health

Study for a PhD through distance e-learning

This taught programme aims to help create and support tomorrow's leaders in public health across a range of roles and organisational settings. It offers a higher level of educational engagement with public health for professionals not wishing to undertake a traditional research doctorate. The format of the programme (part-time and distance e-learning) has been specifically designed to meet the needs of public health practitioners wishing to enhance their research skills, develop their understanding of policy and practice and make an original contribution to knowledge development within their field, whilst at the same time fulfilling their existing responsibilities in service delivery.

The aims of the course are to:

• Promote advanced knowledge and a critical understanding of public health policy and practice
• Enhance leadership skills and effectiveness
• Foster critical approaches to evidence review and knowledge management
• Develop advanced skills in research design, practice and dissemination
• Improve scholarship in presenting written and oral arguments.

Who should apply?

This PhD programme will appeal to a wide range of people working in public health, in the UK and internationally:

• Clinical and non-clinical public health practitioners
• Policy makers
• Researchers
• Educators

Entry Requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements are a recognised good first degree or equivalent experience. If English is not your first language an IELTS of 6.5 is required.

Mode of Study

Modules are delivered through distance e-learning supported by annual residential blocks, making the programme suitable for public health professionals working in the UK and internationally.

Years 1 and 2 provide training in the theory and practice of public health, research design and research methods, and organisational change and development in public health. From Year 3 onwards students embark on independent study which concludes with the submission of a thesis (35,000 words) which makes an original contribution to knowledge within the student's area of professional practice. The research component will be supervised from Lancaster University but undertaken in the student's workplace.

Course Duration

Commences in June each year. Part-time study: minimum 4 years, maximum 7 years.

We are not accepting any further applications for 2012.

Applications for 2013 are welcome; the closing date for submission of applications is 31st January 2013.