The MRes Health and Care (Public Health) is an advanced, research-focused master’s degree designed to equip public health practitioners with the expertise to design, lead and deliver high-impact research across diverse community, national and global health settings.
You will develop the methodological, analytical and critical appraisal skills needed to generate evidence that informs population-level decisions, shapes policy, and improves the health and wellbeing of communities. Guided by experienced researchers, you will undertake a substantial independent research project that runs throughout the programme, enabling you to contribute meaningful, practice-relevant research to real-world public health challenges.
This two-year online programme is ideal for professionals who are passionate about evidence-based public health practice and motivated to progress into doctoral study, academic research, or leadership roles within health protection, health promotion, epidemiology or population health improvement.
Why choose this course
- Specialist online modules designed specifically for public health professionals developing research proposals that support data-driven practice and population health decision-making
- Applied research training aligned with skills used across epidemiology, public health evaluation, policy analysis and health improvement initiatives
- Extensive digital resources including readings, activities and guided tasks designed to strengthen your research capabilities and support assessment preparation
- A supportive online learning community with tutor interaction, discussion boards and opportunities to connect with fellow public health researchers
- A strong foundation for doctoral study, including eligibility for advanced standing on our Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice (DPrac)
Over two years, you will complete five 20-credit taught modules and an 80-credit Independent Research Project for Health and Care, totalling 180 credits at level 7.
If you decide to leave the programme at the Postgraduate Diploma stage, you can still receive this step-off award by completing the Evidence Based Health and Care Practice Project module (7NU645). This module replaces the Independent Research Project for Health and Care, which is only required for students completing the full Master’s degree.
Year one
- Trimester 1 (September): Quantitative Skills for Health and Care Research (20 credits). Launch of the Independent Research Project for Health and Care (80 credits) running throughout the two-year programme.
- Trimester 2 (January): Qualitative Skills for Health and Care Research (20 credits).
- Trimester 3 (May): Ethical and Scientific Standards for Health and Care Research (20 credits).
Year two
- Trimester 1 (September): Principles Of Public Health (20 credits).
- Trimester 2 (January): Public Health Epidemiology and Statistics (20 credits).
- Trimester 3 (May): Independent Research Project for Health and Care - write-up and submission (80 credits).
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching activities are designed to help you develop the advanced knowledge and practical skills required for the summative assessments at the end of each trimester. They also support your growth as a research leader, equipping you with the project management, critical analysis and decision-making skills needed to conduct substantial public health research.
Your learning experience includes:
- Online 1:1 supervision with an experienced researcher
- Asynchronous learning activities within each module, accessible at your convenience
- Live, interactive online sessions with module tutors
- Peer learning and discussion through dedicated online forums
- Ongoing academic support via email and your virtual learning environment
Independent Research Project
From the beginning of the programme, you will work on a major research project focused on an area of public health practice such as epidemiology, health inequalities, health protection, or community health improvement.
With the support of a dedicated supervisor, you will develop your proposal, refine your methodology and carry out original research with potential to influence public health outcomes and policy.
Course duration and pace of study
The MRes Health and Care (Public Health) is an intensive and accelerated two-year programme of study. Each academic year consists of three 10-week terms (known as trimesters) commencing in September, January and May of each year.
- Each 20-credit module requires approximately 200 hours of notional study time
- The Independent Research Project requires approximately 800 hours, spread across two years
This notional study time includes reading, literature searching, completing online activities, engaging with peers and preparing assessments.
The MRes programme requires sustained commitment throughout the two years of study, coupled with a significant piece of primary research. The independent research project is launched alongside the first and second trimester and is supported throughout until submission in the third trimester of year two.
The online format offers flexibility to fit learning around shift work, caring responsibilities and professional commitments, while still supporting you to progress steadily through the course.
Assessment method
Assessment is designed to develop your ability to plan, conduct and communicate rigorous public health research. You will be assessed through:
- Research reports analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data
- A recorded presentation communicating research concepts or findings
- A viva examination, involving a critical discussion with examiners
- A research proposal for a public health or healthcare intervention
- A substantial independent research thesis reporting your original study
Assessment briefs are set at the beginning of each module and deadlines are normally scheduled for week 11.
Student support and guidance
There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Adviser, through to our:
Graduates of the MRes Health and Care (Public Health) are well positioned for a range of roles that demand strong research capability and evidence-informed decision-making.
This programme prepares you for:
- Doctoral study, including advanced standing on the University of Derby’s Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice (DPrac) programme (entering directly into Year 3)
- Research and leadership roles in public health organisations, local authorities, the NHS, NGOs, community health services and government health agencies
- Academic or teaching roles, supporting learners in research methods or public health modules
- Funded research opportunities, enabled by your ability to design high-quality research proposals
Whether you aim to influence health policy, lead evaluation projects, or contribute to population health improvement, this MRes provides a strong platform for a research-oriented public health career.
Utilise our Careers and Employment Service
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
You’ll need:
- To be registered with a recognised public health body (e.g. UK Public Health Register) or international equivalent, or to hold a relevant degree and substantial experience in a public health–related role
- An Honours degree of 2:2 or above (or international equivalent), or evidence of level 7 study
- You must be practicing and carrying out your proposed research within the UK
- An outline proposal of the research to be undertaken (see below)
Research proposal
Together with your application, you need to submit an outline of your proposed research topic. This is to enable us to appoint an appropriate academic supervisor during the admissions process, ready for the start of term.
Your outline proposal (of approximately 500-600 words) should cover the following:
- Research interests
- Proposed topic for developing during the MRes
- Rationale for choice of topic
- Proposed research methods
- Supporting literature / references
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each area.
Recognition of Prior Learning or Experience
Exemptions can be made on the basis of prior academic study, professional qualifications or professional experience. Students who have already studied at another institution, completed a training course or have work experience which appears equivalent to one or more modules of this programme, may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards course modules so that they do not have to study them again. This is called recognition of prior learning or RPL.
‡2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£1,080 |
6 (five 20-credit modules and one 80 credit module) |
£9,720 |
About your fees
This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.
The 80-credit Independent Research Project (IRP) (7NU994) runs across the entire two-year programme with the teaching element delivered alongside the year one modules.
Fees for this module will be due in full during the first trimester of your enrolment onto the programme. This will be alongside the fees for the first 20-credit module. This means that in academic year 2025/6, the fees due in the September trimester will be £5,400, which can be paid over four instalments.
Please be aware that if you withdraw from the programme or take a break from your studies after the standard withdrawal date (which is normally 1 November for the September trimester), you will be liable for the full fee for the 80-credit IRP module (7NU994). See the Withdrawal Calendar for further details.
This will also apply if you enrol onto the IRP module and decide after 1 November to exit the MRes Health and Care (Public Health) programme early with a Postgraduate Diploma. As part of the Postgraduate Diploma, you will also need to study the 20-credit Evidence Based Practice Project at the end of year two, for which fees will apply. Similarly, if you have enrolled onto the IRP module and then decide, after 1 November, to take a break from study, you will remain liable for the full module fee for the IRP and will need to retake the module again, incurring a new module fee upon return to programme.
Flexible payment plans available
Choose from two payment plan options:
Masters funding options
Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to help with living costs and tuition fees whilst studying your masters programme.
If you are considering applying for a student loan, please also see our additional guidance on Loans for Online Students.
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out more about the Alumni discount
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