Public Health
Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/degrees/medicine/publichealth/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/degrees/
| Degrees Degree types explained | - MPhil/PhD Public Health - MSc by Research Public Health |
| Duration | Degree duration details |
| Start date | September, January or April |
| Locations | St Luke's Campus Penryn Campus |
| Study modes Study mode details | Full time or Part time. Split-site research available. Study mode details |
Why study Public Health at Exeter?
The Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences is the central hub for public health research at the University of Exeter. We are an interdisciplinary group, with backgrounds in epidemiology, psychology, sociology, geography, medicine and nursing, as well as more traditional public health training. We work together to address complex public health problems.
Research themes include:
- Oceans, Human Health and Wellbeing
- Nature, Biodiversity and Health
- Climate Change and Health
- Community and Social and Health Inequalities
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Environmental Pollution
- Food Systems & Planetary Health
- Children and Young People's Mental Health
- Healthy Lives for Older People
- Food, Nutrition and Health
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Contact
Programme Directors: Professor Conny Guell and Dr Richard Pulsford
Email: phss-dpgr@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
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Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Submitted to UoA2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. REF 2021
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent Clinical Medicine research
Based on 4* + 3* research in REF 2021
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Research Overview
Public Health research at the University of Exeter covers a diverse range of interrelated topics, and our researchers cover a wide range of key global challenges areas tackled in cutting edge public health. Centres of excellence include the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHERE) at Exeter and the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Penryn.
The University of Exeter's membership of the NIHR School for Public Health Research is a mark of distinction in research excellence. In addition, we supervise public health registrars on the Health Education England South West Public Health (SWPH) training scheme and provide public health training to students on our undergraduate medicine programme.
In Cornwall, the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) is a world-leading, transdisciplinary research and education centre tackling the critical interconnections between the climate and environmental emergencies and human health. It has an extensive national and international portfolio of research and education including funding from all major UK and European research funders. The ECEHH has strong partnerships with local communities, governments and organisations in the UK and internationally, including the Met Office (based in Exeter), the UK Health Security Agency, and Natural England, and is the WHO Collaborating Centre on Natural Environments and Health.
PGR students also have access to key University Research Networks including the Exeter Food Network, Exeter Marine, Children and Young People's Wellbeing @ Exeter, and Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter.
Supervision
You can expect:
- High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
- A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
- Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
- Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
- 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
- Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors
You will only be able to pursue a research degree with us if we can offer appropriate supervision. Your supervisors will provide the necessary support and guidance and so need to have expertise in your chosen research field. You may join a research team or work with specific members of staff.
You should informally approach your potential supervisor(s) with your research proposal before submitting a formal application to study. This will enable you to find out if they feel they would be able to supervise you and whether they believe your research proposal needs further refinement.
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Entry requirements
Applicants will typically hold (or be expected to attain) a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent), or an MSc in a related subject.
They would normally have a strong background in the field of study at undergraduate level or an MSc in a related subject that would underpin the knowledge required to conduct independent research as an MPhil/PhD student. This would usually require a good 2:1 BSc degree for UK students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for Public Health is Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
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How to apply
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PhD and Research Programme application process
The information below applies to self-funded PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research applicants, but if you are applying for a funded PhD studentship, please follow the specific instructions related to that application.
- Pinpoint your PhD research area
- Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
- Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
- Approach your potential supervisor(s) and confirm that they are willing to support your application
- In consultation with your potential supervisor(s) construct and refine your PhD research proposal
- Apply online
PhD studentships pages can be accessed in our Funding lists on Finance tabs under each research topic page, and are also available from the Postgraduate Research search results pages on this site, on the PhD projects tab.
Full details of the application process can be found on our apply now webpage.
Fees and funding
Fees 2025/26
Tuition fees per year 2025/26
- Home: £5,006 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £28,600 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Fees 2026/27
Tuition fees per year 2026/27
- Home: £5,238 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £28,900 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Current funding opportunities
Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our Funded Centres.