MRes Health and Care (Public Health) - Online

University of Derby

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.

Over two years, you will complete four 20-credit taught modules and an 100-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 (7NU645) and Ethical and Scientific Standards for Health and Care Research (6NU643) modules. These two 20 credit modules replace the Independent Research Project, which is only required for students completing the full master’s degree.

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.