Program Overview

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Overview

The Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Services Research MPhil, PhD, and MD programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and methods of public health, epidemiology, and health services research. The programs aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to conduct high-quality research in these fields.

Program Details

• The MPhil program is available in all subject areas and involves original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• The PhD program is a doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research making a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, leading to the completion of an 80,000 - 100,000 word thesis.
• The MD program is a doctorate or doctoral award that combines research findings with clinical practice, leading to the completion of an 80,000 - 100,000 word thesis.

Research Areas

The programs cover a range of research areas, including:

• Applied epidemiology
• Decision-making organization of care
• Life-course, development, and ageing
• Public health improvement

Research Themes

The programs are organized around four research themes:

• Applied epidemiology
• Decision making and organization of care
• Life-course, development, and ageing
• Public health improvement

Research Groups

The programs involve four discipline groups:

• Applied epidemiology
• Decision making and organization of care
• Life-course, development, and ageing
• Public health improvement

Supervision

Students will have a team of supervisors, including clinicians or policymakers from a range of health and social care settings.

Delivery and Teaching Methods

• Attendance on campus is flexible, with students deciding on the frequency of attendance with their supervisors.
• Students will undertake 40 hours of work per week, with an annual holiday entitlement of 35 days.
• Formal, high-quality subject-specific and generic skills training will be provided, with modules including quantitative and qualitative methods, health and health care policy, health economics, and health care quality.

Assessment Methods

• Thesis
• Viva

Facilities

Students will have access to a variety of learning and study spaces, including the Baddiley-Clark Building and the Medical School. They will also have access to video conference facilities, a dedicated audio-visual room, and an extensive range of specialist software.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • MPhil: Not set (Home), £31,900-£42,100 (International)
  • PhD: Not set (Home), £31,900-£42,100 (International)
  • MD: Not set (Home), £31,900-£42,100 (International)
• Scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirements:
  • MPhil: 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a science or medicine-related subject.
  • PhD: 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, with further research experience or a Master's degree being advantageous.
  • MD: MBBS or an equivalent medical degree.
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL.

How to Apply

• Start dates: September, January, April.
• Closing dates: No application closing date, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
• Specialized application information: A short research proposal is required, outlining the broad area of interest and proposed methods.
• Deposit: £1,500 deposit required for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
• Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025).
• Top 100 for Medical and Health (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025).