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Course overview
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programme at Teesside University is designed to meet this need by developing advanced leadership, critical thinking and research skills for those working in – or aspiring to work in – senior public health roles. Whether you're a medical, nursing, allied health or social science professional, this course enables you to shape policy, influence practice and lead meaningful change within complex healthcare environments.
You gain the tools to analyse and respond to global health challenges, translating best evidence into effective public health action. With a focus on real-world application, you explore the social, economic and environmental drivers of health and develop sustainable, evidence-based solutions for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
You learn from an experienced team of public health researchers and practitioners and work collaboratively in a diverse academic community. You’ll be fully supported throughout your journey to becoming a confident, independent researcher and strategic leader.
This course is ideal if you are aiming for a consultancy-level role or a senior leadership position in public health. You’ll graduate with a strong academic and professional profile, a portfolio of published work, and the skills to make a lasting impact on public health practice across the globe.
Key research themes we can support include:
• obesity and weight management
• evidence-based practice
• global health (various issues)
• alcohol
• health protection
• health inequalities
• social care services
• health screening
• oral health
• physical activity
• mental health
• epidemiology of various conditions
• patient safety
• ageing population
• lived experiences of conditions
• smoking
• maternity services
• hypertension
• health service delivery
• respiratory diseases.
Where you study
You attend taught classes at our Middlesbrough campus. The course also includes some blended/online learning.
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
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
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.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
