Health and Care (Public Health)

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 one-year 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.

The MRes Health and Care (Public Health) is an accelerated one year programme throughout which you will undertake five 20-credit modules and one 80 credit Independent Research Project module, 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, which is only required for students completing the full Master’s degree.

January 2026 only

Trimester 1 (January)

• Quantitative Skills in Health and Care Research (20 credits) (7NU640)
• Principles of Public Health (20 credits) (7PH500)
• Launch of the Independent Research Project (80 credits), which runs throughout the programme

Trimester 2 (April)

• Qualitative Skills in Health and Care Research (20 credits) (7NU641)
• Ethical and Scientific Standards for Health and Care Research (20 credits) (7NU643)

Trimester 3 (September)

• Public Health Epidemiology and Statistics (20 Credits) (7PH501)
• Independent Research Project for Health and Care (80 credits) (submission) (7NU944)

Annual September intake

Trimester 1 (September)

• Quantitative Skills in Health and Care Research (20 credits) (7NU640)
• Principles of Public Health (20 credits) (7PH500)
• Launch of the Independent Research Project (80 credits), which runs throughout the programme

Trimester 2 (January)

• Qualitative Skills in Health and Care Research (20 credits) (7NU641)
• Public Health Epidemiology and Statistics (20 credits) (7PH501)

Trimester 3 (April)

• Ethical and Scientific Standards for Health and Care Research (20 credits) (7NU643)
• Independent Research Project for Health and Care (80 credits) (submission) (7NU944)

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.

This programme blends synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning to give you flexibility while maintaining a supportive, structured experience.

Teaching and learning activities are carefully designed to build the advanced knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in your summative assessments at the end of each trimester. These activities also lay the foundations for strong research management and leadership capabilities, preparing you to plan, conduct and deliver a substantial piece of independent research.

• Regular 1:1 supervision with an experienced healthcare researcher
• Synchronous and Asynchronous learning activities designed to build your research knowledge step by step
• Peer-to-peer learning via discussion boards and collaborative tasks
• Ongoing academic support through email, tutorials and your virtual learning environment

Independent Research Project and Project Supervision

From the start of the programme, you will design and carry out a major piece of primary research related to nursing or midwifery practice. With tailored academic supervision, you will shape your proposal, refine your methodology and undertake research that has the potential to influence real-world clinical practice.

Pace of study

The MRes Health and Care (Public Health) is an intensive and accelerated one-year programme of study. Each academic year consists of three 10-week terms (known as trimesters) commencing in September, January and April 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 the programme.

Notional study time is the work you will need to do around your online studies, including reading, searching for literature, completing activities and studies for each unit and interacting with your fellow students. 

The MRes programme requires dedication and commitment throughout the programme of study, coupled with a significant piece of primary research. The independent research project is launched alongside the first trimester of study and is supported throughout until submission in the third trimester of your programme.

How you are assessed

Assessment throughout the programme is designed to develop and evidence your growing expertise as an independent healthcare researcher.

You will complete a variety of assessment types that reflect the skills required for advanced nursing and midwifery research, including:

• Research reports based on the interpretation, analysis and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data
• A recorded presentation, demonstrating your ability to communicate research findings effectively
• A viva examination involving a critical discussion with examiners and questions exploring your methodological and analytical choices
• A research proposal for a healthcare intervention, showcasing your ability to design rigorous, practice-focused research
• A substantial independent research project, culminating in a comprehensive thesis reporting your original research 

The assessment brief and assessment dates are set at the beginning of each module.

The MRes Health and Care (Public Health) is designed to prepare you for a career in research or further study and research at doctoral level. Students completing the MRes will be well prepared to undertake doctoral programmes at the University of Derby, or other institutions offering Public Health Fellowships.

Alumni from the MRes are given advanced standing for our Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice (DPrac) programme. This means that graduates from the MRes are admitted to the third year of the doctoral programme, with exemptions given for the first year 60 credit skills modules and the second year 60 credit service and practice development project. This enables our MRes graduates to enter the DPrac at year three – the postgraduate research phase.

This programme equips graduates for a wide range of research-driven career pathways, including: 

• Public Health leadership and management roles, where evidence-based decision-making and analytical skills are essential
• Academic and educational roles, supporting the teaching of research methods within Public Health, nursing, midwifery or allied health disciplines
• Research positions within public health organisations, academic institutions, government agencies and health-focused NGOs
• Further doctoral study at other institutions, including opportunities supported by competitive funding bodies

You will 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 evidence of Level 7 study.
• A submission of an outline proposal of the research to be undertaken.

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.

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 commencement of the 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

Please note 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 after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.