PhD Public Health at Lancaster University

Programme overview

The Public Health PhD at Lancaster University is a flexible, part-time doctoral programme designed for people who want to make an original contribution to public health research without stepping away from their current role or existing commitments. Delivered primarily online, the programme combines expert academic supervision, structured research training and optional face-to-face academies, making it suitable for students based across the UK and internationally. Whether you work in the delivery of public health services, policy development in government departments and NGOs, education, research or public health development, this doctorate allows you to investigate real-world public health challenges while developing advanced research expertise.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Medicine | Department: Division of Health Research | Duration: Part time 4 - 7 years | Study mode: part-time | Location: Lancaster, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Autumn Induction Academy, Philosophy of Research, Public Health: Theory, Policy and Practice, Theory and Methods: Choices for Health Research. Year 2 core modules: Data Analysis, Principles of Research Design and Practical Research Ethics, Systematic approaches to literature reviews and evidence synthesis.

Career pathways

Graduates of Lancaster University's PhD in Public Health have gone on to senior roles across academia, research, clinical practice, and local, national and international government and NGOs: a track record that reflects the programme's strong contribution to building public health research capacity worldwide. Alumni include:

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Academic requirements: 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, where there is evidence of relevant professional experience and/or other learning that demonstrates the potential to succeed on the programme. Additional requirements: As part of your application you will also need to provide a 500 word research proposal. Guidance for writing a research proposal can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage. The department plans to interview all eligible applicants. The application deadline for this programme is the 28th July. Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted by this date. English language requirements: We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Home fee for 2026/27 (UK Research Councils standard fee level, full-time); the following year's fee is not yet set Source

International applicants: GBP 29,300 a year (2027/28). Full-time rate (per year) Source

Duration: Part time 4 - 7 years

Apply through the official page: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying-for-postgraduate-study/

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