DrPH in Global Health

Lead transformative change in global public health through advanced training in leadership, policy and evidence-based practice.

World #4 for public health

Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025

#3 in Europe

QS World University Rankings Europe 2026

Start Date

September 2027

Duration

5 years part-time

Location

Mixed mode distance

Applications Close

August 2027

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Global Health is designed for people wishing to develop their careers in public health leadership. Through policy, research and leadership training, the programme aims to enable you to critically appraise evidence, develop policy, design and evaluate interventions and conduct robust research. You will then be able to apply these skills to public health practice at a senior level. As a DrPH graduate, you will be equipped to lead transformative change and drive impact across global public health systems and practice.

You will benefit from tailored modules in research and leadership taught by the world-leading academics on the UCL Institute for Global Health’s faculty. Your supervised doctoral research project will give you the opportunity to investigate a public health challenge of relevance to your current professional role or future career ambitions. This will strengthen your public health research profile and independence.

The programme is delivered by the UCL Institute for Global Health, a world-renowned centre of excellence in global health research and education. Our unique approach to a public health doctoral programme combines interdisciplinary work in the real world with community engagement to develop and implement practical solutions to global health problems.

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Programme

Delivered over five years, the DrPH is a part‑time doctoral programme, designed to support working professionals. The taught component of this programme is delivered via blended learning: a mixture of two intensive in-person weeks at UCL in London per year in Year 1 and 2, live online lectures and seminars, asynchronous online learning, and independent study.

The programme is structured in two parts:

Part 1: Taught (Years 1–2)

You develop expertise in research methods, critical appraisal, and public health leadership. You also receive bespoke support to develop a doctoral research proposal tailored to your interests and career goals. Exit awards are available at this stage: if you complete 120 credits you may graduate with a PGDip in Global Public Health and Leadership; if you complete 60 credits you may opt for a PGCert.

Compulsory modules

  • Research Methods and Skills for Global Public Health 1
  • Using Evidence to Inform Global Public Health Decision Making
  • Research Methods and Skills for Global Public Health 2
  • Leadership, Organisation and Management for Global Public Health
  • Qualitative, Mixed, and Participatory Research Methods
  • Health Systems Organisation, Economics, and Policy

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.

Part 2: Research (Years 3–5)

You undertake supervised doctoral research, applying your skills to produce a thesis that addresses a significant public health issue. This phase consolidates your expertise and prepares you to lead with confidence and impact in global health settings.

Research degree supervisors

Your degree supervisor will come from one of the Institute for Global Health’s three departments: 

The UCL Institute for Global Health faculty are world-leading researchers and academics. UCL is ranked 1st in the UK for research power in medicine, health and life sciences (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Team science and transdisciplinary research are encouraged and valued in order to tackle the bigger health challenges.

Our research supervisors

Admissions

Applications for September 2027 entry will open in September 2026.

A minimum of upper second-class degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a relevant subject (social, life, biomedical or clinical sciences) and more than five years relevant professional experience (can be a combination of voluntary and paid work) in public health organisations, NGOs, NHS/other large health services, pharmaceuticals, or industry in a role relevant to healthcare, health technologies, and/or public health.

The English language level for this programme is Level 2.

Funding your studies

Information for employers

Supporting an employee to study for a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) part-time will equip your organisation with the strategic leadership, advanced analytical skills, and research expertise needed to navigate today’s most complex public health challenges. 

The DrPH in Global Health is designed for professionals working within and/or across health systems worldwide, including public health agencies, NGOs, the NHS and other large health services, pharmaceutical companies, global health organisations, and health‑tech industries.

By supporting staff to undertake this programme, your organisation will benefit from: 

  • Evidence‑driven leadership 
    DrPH practitioners will learn to critically appraise evidence, influence policy, and make sound strategic decisions grounded in robust scientific methods.
  • Applied research that directly benefits your organisation 
    DrPH practitioners complete practice‑focused research and intervention projects that can be tailored to your organisational priorities.
  • Enhanced organisational capacity 
    DrPH practitioners develop advanced skills in policy analysis, programme design, and evaluation, strengthening your organisation’s ability to meet future challenges.
  • A global health perspective
    Your staff will join a diverse international cohort and gain perspectives that enrich your organisation’s global engagement and impact.
  • Talent retention and leadership development
    Sponsoring high‑potential employees demonstrates commitment to their development and builds the next generation of public health leaders within your organisation. 

Frequently asked questions

A DrPH is a Doctor of Public Health; it is a professional doctoral degree for experienced public health practitioners who are working, or aiming to work, in leadership roles. It combines training in both research and leadership; graduates are expected to be able synthesise and generate research-based evidence, and convene diverse stakeholders, in order to improve public health. UCL’s DrPH particularly focuses on equipping graduates to be able to take on roles in global health leadership; to drive transformative change and impact across global public health systems, tackling inequalities at local, national, and international levels.

Unlike a traditional PhD, the DrPH is an applied public health doctorate, combining leadership development with practice‑focused research. Whilst there is crossover between a DrPH and a PhD in Public Health, the key difference is the career route they are designed to facilitate. A PhD generally prepares students to become scientists or academics. Its focus is on original research and scholarship. A DrPH focuses on applied skills as well as research, and prepares students to address complex public health challenges in practical settings.

This programme is is ideal for professionals aiming to progress into roles requiring strong global health leadership capabilities. It is designed for people who have already embarked on their careers and have experience of public health from their work in fields such as healthcare, public health, health technologies, or health services. This could include public health organisations, NGOs, national health services, pharmaceutical companies, and health-related industries. Candidates will have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. Graduates will be equipped to tackle public health research priorities within their current organisations and transition into new roles that demand high-level expertise in public health leadership and research. 

Yes. We anticipate that most students will continue their professional practice whilst studying this as a part-time doctoral programme. The course features two intensive weeks in London per year for the first two years, as well as live online lectures and seminars, asynchronous online learning, and independent study. We hope that in many cases, organisations will support their employees through the DrPH.

Graduates of the DrPH in Global Health emerge as capable, independent public health leaders equipped to tackle complex global health challenges. Potential career destinations include:

  • Public health agencies such as national ministries of health, the UK Health Security Agency, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • International organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in global health, humanitarian response, or health systems strengthening.
  • National health services, such as the NHS, in strategic leadership, policy, or research roles.
  • Pharmaceutical and health technology companies, in roles focused on public health strategy, innovation, and evidence generation.
  • Academic and research institutions, leading applied public health research and contributing to policy development.

It will take a minimum of 5 years to complete this DrPH.

In Year 1 and Year 2, you will have two weeks of in-person teaching per year. Each teaching week will consist of 30 hours of teaching. For the remainder of the year, students should expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on studies. This will vary with some more intensive periods of research or study. Most of this time will be independent study, asynchronous online learning and working on assessments. Fully online modules will also have an average of 2 hours of synchronous online teaching hours per week for the duration of the module.

In Year 3, 4 and 5 (supervised research project), you should expect an absolute minimum of one meeting with your supervisors per month and you are expected to attend regular group meetings and departmental seminars (all meetings will be online, and some will have an in-person option). Contact hours and hours of self-study are agreed between you and your supervisors at the beginning of your project and should be reviewed on a regular basis.

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