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University of Hertfordshire

Hatfield , England ,United Kingdom

Doctorate in Public Health

The Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) is a programme of advanced study and research designed specifically to develop the research and leadership capacity of public health professionals and practitioners. It is also suitable for individuals who wish to enhance their work-related experience and move into public health from a related field. The purpose of the programme is to foster the development of research competent practitioners and policy professionals so they may apply sound research evidence with which to shape public health in their field and locality. 

The DrPH is a structured doctorate that is undertaken part-time using a combination of online and on-campus research resources and supervision. This allows candidates to study from their home or workplace and to attend the University three times per year. The programme combines guided learning with intensive doctoral supervision to produce a focused research programme leading to the submission of a dissertation.

The five-year part-time Doctorate in Public Health at the University of Hertfordshire offers an exceptional pathway for public health practitioners to undertake postgraduate research. The programme is suitable for even the most senior of public health colleagues, with flexible opportunities to focus on the science of public health. Students are expected to continue with their professional practice and to bring this to bear upon the research questions they wish to address in their doctorate. Enquiries are welcomed from across the professions involved in public health policy and practice, both within the UK and internationally.

The DrPH offers an intensive programme of research-informed methods training underpinned by current theory, ethical, legal, socio-political, economic and governance frameworks. Students on the DrPH will be guided in their learning to develop research expertise to enable them to plan a programme of doctoral studies with their academic supervisors. Two supervisors will usually be appointed to guide the student’s academic and professional development. Guided learning will include resources and training relating to:

• critical thinking, reading and writing in relation to public health evidence and practice

• reviewing research and policy literature

• philosophy of research methodology, research methods and analytical approaches

• research proposal development and research design

• research ethics

• data generation, management and analysis

• the implementation of research evidence.

Intakes

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Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Access over 5,500 employers on our online network, Handshake

93.5% of Herts UK graduates* are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation

Highest growth of all East of England university graduate start-ups over the last five years

We’re here to help turbocharge your career, from the minute you arrive to the completion of your studies and beyond - with support available for up to four years after you graduate. Whether you’re seeking a part-time job during your studies, exploring career options, or preparing to start your own business, we offer a wealth of resources, training and networking opportunities that will give you the confidence you need to make your mark on the world.

Our Flare enterprise competition allows our students to also enjoy supplementing their studies with exclusive extracurricular benefits which give them that extra spark to help land jobs, launch businesses and capture dreams.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
  • 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Entry requirements

  • A pass in A-Level Mathematics or equivalent; and
  • typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in mathematics, physics, astrophysics or other relevant first degree and whose programme would have made extensive use of applied mathematics to design and explain engineering and/or scientific concepts will give access to the Near STEM route; OR
  • typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree in chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, food science, computer science based or similar first degrees where statistical analysis was a dominant feature of their analytical studies will give access to the Far STEM route
  • exceptionally, a number of applicants with other relevant professional qualifications who have the necessary academic achievements and experience will be considered under APEL (accreditation of prior experiential learning) or APCL (accreditation of prior certified learning).
  • Prospective students may be required to attend an interview typically in order to review their subject background.

Pre-masters

  • Completion of a Bachelor degree with 40% or above
  • IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in any band

Postgraduate taught

  • Completion of a Bachelor degree in a relevant subject area with 55-65% or above depending on course
  • IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 (depends on course) with no less than 5.5 in any band - some courses require higher
  • Standard XII English with 70% will also be accepted

An honors degree (2:1 or above) in an appropriate discipline. IELTS entry requirement is normally 6.5, TOEFL 550 (213 CBT) or equivalent for those for whom English is not their first language.