Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Course overview

Public health is rapidly becoming one of the most recognised areas to focus attention on in terms of improving health and quality of life of populations. The need to expand and develop the public health workforce locally, nationally and internationally is well established.

This course offers enhanced opportunities for students wishing to pursue studies in the academic and applied world of public health. The University is keen to share its vision by reaching out to students worldwide – either as attendees or distance learners with full support and interactive resources with experienced team members. Whether studying for career development part time or full time, or from a specific professional interest in the discipline, the course offers a distinguished broader-based learning programme aligned with the growing worldwide interest in public health development. As population structures continue to become dominated by ageing populations, rates of chronic illness increase, emergency of complicated infectious diseases (such as Ebola, Zika, HIV), and health and social care budget cuts, there has never been greater emphasis on preventing disease and improving public health and wellbeing. There is an increasing urge to move from viewing health concerns through lenses of biomedical models to biopsychosocial models. This demonstrates the need to develop more intricate multidisciplinary approaches that blend medical, allied health, nursing professionals, psychologists and sociologists working together to improve health and quality of life of populations – an initiative that requires effective leadership.

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) cultivates effective leadership skills among current and future leaders in public health practice enabling you to develop advanced knowledge and competency in translating current best evidence into public health practice. You develop advanced critical thinking, administrative and problem-solving skills relevant for a dynamic contemporary public health practice environment. You develop a unique ability to analyse and understand the complex global public health issues, and provide sustainable evidence based solutions for improved health outcomes. The DrPH also enables you to become a fully independent public health researcher able to take the lead on your own learning and research. You have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside experienced and prolific researchers in public health, supporting you to engage in public health research, and to develop a record of wide dissemination and publication – important aspects in your career progression towards achieving a consultant position. The tutors on your programme are all specialists in their areas with much expertise and skill in their disciplines. A number of external experts may also contribute to modules including health protection experts from Public Health England, environmental health experts from the local authority, public health commissioners from a range of backgrounds and emergency planning officers who run a simulated public health event for students.

Career opportunities

This programme supports you to leave university well prepared to lead public health teams, initiatives and projects both in the UK and internationally and assists you as a public health professional to prepare for management and leadership roles reflected in the contemporary public health workforce needs. The Doctor of Public Health is highly recognised by all public health professional bodies and key international and UK public health employers place high regard in a candidate with the qualification.