phd health and social care

All you need to know to choose your course, from foundation to bachelors or integrated masters

Ready for advanced study? Explore our Postgraduate Courses and Research Degrees

Discover our part-time online courses for study any time, anywhere

Looking to improve your skills or change career? A short course could be the key

Research degrees
Part-time study
Apprenticeships
Campus and facilities
Fees and Finance
Student support
Study abroad
Employability

Let the adventure begin. Where could you be living?

Culture, adventure, fun, sport, shopping. Derby has lots to offer, whatever you love doing

Make friends, learn a skill or share your interests with our varied clubs and societies

How to make the most of your time - on campus and beyond.

International students
Sport at Derby
Union of Students

Discover how we are pushing the boundaries of innovation and research and learn about our approach

If you have a curious, independent mind then join us. Explore your options for research degrees

Learn more about our researchers and our research focus

Whether you are from industry or academic, we’re always keen to collaborate on research projects

Explore our research case studies and discover how our research is having a real world impact

Find out more about our colleges and departments

Coral reefs are dying off at an alarming rate. Our Aquatic Research Facility is carrying out work with organisations across the globe to make corals more resilient in the face of man-made afflictions.

Discover how you can benefit from working with us.

Research and Innovation
Talent and Recruitment
Training and Development

Get in touch with the relevant team to find out how we can make a big difference to your business.

Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice

Apply now Apply now
Attend a webinar Attend a webinar
Contact details Contact details

Online course details

Study options

Part-time: 4 years

£3,300 per year (2025/26) ‡

International fee

Preparing you professionally

This course aims to prepare health professionals, in practice or in academia, and leaders in the health and social care professions with research and research project management skills to take a leading role with the development of practice or the development of services within defined professional areas.

Setting you apart from other professionals in the area, it will enhance your ability to influence practice and prepare you for more senior roles in nursing, health and social care, or higher education.

With our Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice, you can tailor your qualification to your own interests and develop as a clinical and professional leader in your field. In addition, you’ll improve your knowledge and understanding of a range of research and enquiry methodologies and skills related to your profession.

The following research specialisms are available:

Applied Psychology
Art Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
Drama Psychotherapy
Health and Social Care
Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Radiography

Contribute to Original Research

By completing the research aspect of this course, you will be able to make an original contribution or application of knowledge to your specialist field. This will help you to lead on the development of services and professional practice, and will be directly relevant to your career.

This course is closely mapped against the nursing, health and social care sector. This ensures that our curriculum is up to date, providing you with the assurance that your learning is current and relevant. This does mean that we do have to respond to national changes such as government policy. As a result, some of the information about our courses may evolve in the light of progress.

View the student journey through the DPrac

Our programme lead for the Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice, Dr Alan Williams talks about the course.

View the online Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice course video transcript

What you will study

To complete the DPrac Health and Social Care Practice, you will need to undertake the postgraduate taught (PGT) phase which entails two x 60 credit modules. This is followed by the postgraduate research (PGR) phase of your doctoral studies where you will complete the 420 credit Independent Scholarship by working closely with your director of studies and supervisor to complete your research project.

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.

Discovering Online Learning webinar: December 2024

Thursday, 5 December 2024 12.00 - 13.00 During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.

How you will learn

This course is taught and facilitated by leading academics who use a variety of flexible learning strategies to help you to reach your full potential.

The postgraduate taught (PGT) phase will be delivered online using the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). All material will be available at the start of each trimester with a schedule so you can plan to attend synchronous sessions (e.g. webinars). Throughout the module there will be activities to complete and interaction between your peers and academic staff on the VLE. You are encouraged to join scheduled webinars (though they are recorded and are available to all students should it not always be possible to join live). In addition to your programme leader, you will have support from a module tutor and module leader during the taught phase.

The postgraduate research (PGR) phase of your programme / studies is where you will be allocated a director of studies and a second supervisor, so you’ll be supported at every stage by a team with expert knowledge. You will develop and complete your research project under your supervisors' guidance and then complete your thesis and viva voce (the oral examination, commonly referred to as a viva).

You’ll also join one of our research groups , which will help you to develop your research interests and skills and provide you with an opportunity to network and share interests with other professionals working in your field of expertise.

Pace of study

This programme is only available part-time online and can be completed in four years. To achieve your Professional Doctorate, you will need to complete two 60-credit modules in year one and year two and an Independent Scholarship (420 credits) in year three and four, with a maximum registration period of eight years.

The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. The postgraduate taught 60-credit modules are therefore taken over the whole academic year and we recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete 20-credits per 10-week trimester.

Assessment method

Assessment is through written assignments, writing up projects and research, formal dissemination of your work, a thesis, and a viva voce assessment. This course will enable you to make an original contribution in your specialist field of study and lead the development of services in your workplace.

Who will teach you

Dr alan r williams.

Programme Leader

Dr Alan R Williams joined the University as Academic Lead in April 2019. He led the online nursing and health portfolio and since August 2022 leads the professional doctorate in the College. Alan is a Registered Nurse (Adult and Mental...

View full staff profile →

Entry requirements

You should have a Masters or postgraduate award (or equivalent) in an relevant academic field.

You should be registered or accredited as a health professional with regulatory organisation relevant to your practice.

If English is not your first language you must have achieved an IELTS score of at least level 6.5

Your research proposal (title page, aims & objectives, background, definition of research problem, outline of methods & data analysis, possible outcomes, timetable, and possible resources required, references, and if necessary, appendices)

Fees and funding

† 2025/26 for new entrants.

Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.

UK/EU fee: £3,300 per year

International fee: £3,300 per year

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.

Please note that the instalment calendar for this programme is as follows:

Please note: that any costs incurred as part of your Research Study are not included within your course fees.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

When should I apply?

Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.

Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.

Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.

Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines

Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.

If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.

All applications will be reviewed by the University and suitable applicants will be invited to for an interview that will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Documents to support your application.

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
Proof of your qualifications such as copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications
Your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
a satisfactory academic or employer reference from someone able to comment positively on your capability to study at the level of the programme you have applied for. It is your responsibility to obtain this reference, we do not contact your referees
Evidence of registration as health professional e.g. NMC or HCPC registration
Your Research Proposal (as detailed in the Entry requirements section ).

Undertaking a professional doctorate will help you to grow professionally and personally. You will develop impressive skills in research, analysis, and critical and strategic thinking to help enhance your performance in your work. It may also open further career opportunities for you, where you can lead the discussion. By studying a professional doctorate, you will influence and shape health care practice and become an acknowledged leader in your field.

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.

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biostatistics
Environmental Health and Engineering
Epidemiology
Health Policy and Management
Health, Behavior and Society
International Health
Mental Health
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Program Finder
Admissions Services
Course Directory
Academic Calendar
Hybrid Campus
Lecture Series
Convocation
Strategy and Development
Implementation and Impact
Integrity and Oversight
In the School
In the Field
In Baltimore
Resources for Practitioners
Articles & News Releases
In The News
Statements & Announcements
At a Glance
Student Life
Strategic Priorities
Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
What is Public Health?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Policy and Management

Offered By: Department of Health Policy and Management

Onsite | Full-Time | 4–5 years

MSPH Field Placements
MSPH Frequently Asked Questions
MSPH Timeline
Master's Essays
Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)
Master of Arts in Public Health Biology (MAPHB)
Master of Bioethics (MBE)
Mission, Vision, and Values
Student Experience
Program Outcomes
For Hopkins Undergraduate Students
Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Epidemiology
Alumni Update
MHS Combined with a Certificate Program
Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Bachelor's/MHS in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
MHS HEOR Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Master of Health Science (MHS)
Concurrent Schoolwide Master of Health Science Program in Biostatistics
Master of Health Science - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Master of Health Science Online (MHS) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Careers in Health Economics
Core Competencies
Meet the Director
What is Health Economics
MPH Capstone Schedule
Concentrations
Online/Part-Time Format
Requirements

Tuition and Funding

Executive Board Faculty
Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biostatistics
Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Epidemiology
Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Bachelor's/MSPH in Health Policy
FAQ for MSPH in Health Policy
Field Placement Experience
MSPH Capstone
MSPH Practicum
Required and Elective Courses
Student Timeline
Career Opportunities
38-Week Dietetics Practicum
Completion Requirements
MSPH/RD Program FAQ
Program Goals
Biophysics and Structural Biology
Cancer Biology
Cell Biology
Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
Chemical Biology and Proteomics
Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Translational Research
Program Scope
Application Fee Waiver Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Biostatistics
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Epidemiology
Program Goals and Expectations
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation
Recent Graduates and Dissertation Titles
PhD Funding
PhD TA Requirement
Recent Dissertation Titles
JHU-Tsinghua Doctor of Public Health
Prerequisites
Concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health
Custom Track
Concentration in Environmental Health
Concentration in Global Health: Policy and Evaluation
Concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice
Concentration in Health Policy and Management
Concentration in Implementation Science
Combined Bachelor's / Master's Programs
Concurrent MHS Option for BSPH Doctoral Students
Concurrent MSPH Option for BSPH Doctoral students
Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)
Adolescent Health Certificate Program
Bioethics Certificate Program
Clinical Trials Certificate Program
Community- Based Public Health Certificate Program
Demographic Methods Certificate Program
Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals Certificate Program
Evaluation: International Health Programs Certificate Program
Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs
Gender and Health Certificate Program
Gerontology Certificate Program
Global Digital Health Certificate Program
Global Health Certificate Program
Global Health Practice Certificate Program
Health Communication Certificate Program
Health Disparities and Health Inequality Certificate Program
Health Education Certificate Program
Health Finance and Management Certificate Program
Health and Human Rights Certificate Program
Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program
Humanitarian Health Certificate Program
Implementation Science and Research Practice Certificate Program
Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate Program
International Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate Program
Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare Certificate Program
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health Certificate Program
Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program
Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services Certificate Program
Non-Degree Students General Admissions Info
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Certificate Program
Population Health Management Certificate Program
Population and Health Certificate Program
Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program
Public Health Economics Certificate Program
Public Health Informatics Certificate Program
Public Health Practice Certificate Program
Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
Public Mental Health Research Certificate Program
Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes Research Certificate Program
Quantitative Methods in Public Health Certificate Program
Requirements for Successful Completion of a Certificate Program
Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice Certificate Program
Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate Program
Spatial Analysis for Public Health Certificate Program
Training Certificate in Public Health
Tropical Medicine Certificate Program
Tuition for Certificate Programs
Vaccine Science and Policy Certificate Program
Online Student Experience
Barcelona Information
Registration, Tuition, and Fees
Agency Scholarship Application
General Scholarship Application
UPF Scholarship Application
Course Evaluations
Online Courses
Registration
General Institute Tuition Information
International Students
Directions to the Bloomberg School
All Courses
Important Guidance for ONSITE Students
D.C. Courses
Registration and Fees
Cancellation and Closure Policies
Application Procedures
Career Search
Current Activities
Current Trainees
Related Links
Process for Appointing Postdoctoral Fellows
Message from the Director
Program Details
Admissions FAQ
Current Residents
Elective Opportunities for Visiting Trainees
What is Occupational and Environmental Medicine?
Admissions Info
Graduates by Year
Compensation and Benefits
How to Apply
Academic Committee
Course Details and Registration
Tuition and Fees
ONLINE SOCI PROGRAM
Principal Faculty
General Application
JHHS Application
Our Faculty
Descripción los Cursos
Programa en Epidemiología para Gestores de Salud, Basado en Internet
Consultants
Britt Dahlberg, PhD
Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
Mark R. Luborsky, PhD
Marsha Wittink, PhD
Rebekka Lee, ScD
Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD
Theresa Hoeft, PhD
Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
Program Retreat
Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations
Announcements
2023 Call for Applications
Jennifer I Manuel, PhD, MSW
Joke Bradt, PhD
Josiemer Mattei, PhD, MPH
Justin Sanders, MD, MSc
Linda Charmaran, PhD
Nao Hagiwara, PhD
Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
Susan D. Brown, PhD
Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
Theresa Hoft, PhD
Wynne E. Norton, PhD
Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
Justine Wu, MD, MPH
Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD
Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
Loreto Leiva, PhD
Marie Brault, PhD
Mary E. Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
Meganne K. Masko, PhD, MT-BC/L
PhuongThao D. Le, PhD, MPH
Rebecca Lobb, ScD, MPH
Allegra R. Gordon, ScD MPH
Anita Misra-Hebert, MD MPH FACP
Arden M. Morris, MD, MPH
Caroline Silva, PhD
Danielle Davidov, PhD
Hans Oh, PhD
J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN
Jacqueline Mogle, PhD
Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS
Joe Glass, PhD MSW
Karen Whiteman, PhD MSW
Katie Schultz, PhD MSW
Rose Molina, MD
Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD MPA
Andrew Riley, PhD
Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
Emily E. Haroz, PhD
Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Jessica Magidson, PhD
Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
Kiara Alvarez, PhD
LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
Virginia McKay, PhD
Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
Eliza Park MD, MS
Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
Lingrui Liu ScD MS
Meaghan Kennedy, MD
Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
Paula Aristizabal, MD
Radhika Sundararajan, MD
Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
Allison Magnuson, DO
Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
Christopher Woodrell MD
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
Jasmine Abrams, PhD
Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
Robert Brady, PhD
Saria Hassan, MD
Scherezade Mama, DrPH
Yuan Lu, ScD
2021 Scholars
Sign Up for Our Email List
Workforce Training
Cells-to-Society Courses
Course/Section Numbers Explained
The George G. Graham Lecture

About the PhD in Health Policy and Management Program

The PhD in Health Policy and Management is a full-time doctoral program that trains its students to conduct original investigator-initiated research through a combination of coursework and research mentoring. The curriculum includes core coursework that is common across the four concentrations and courses specific to each individual concentration. Applicants to the PhD in Health Policy and Management apply directly to one of four concentrations. All four options have the same deadline, structure, and funding.

Concentration Areas

This concentration is designed for students interested in conducting independent research on ethical issues in public health policy, research and practice such as domestic and international research ethics, learning health systems, emerging biomedical technologies, ethics and public health genetics, national and global food policy, access to care and health care priority setting. By the end of their training, students are equipped to function as independent researchers, conducting empirical research related to bioethics, public health and health policy, as well as prepared to provide practical and normative recommendations regarding ethics and public health policy.

View more program information about the Concentration in Bioethics and Health Policy.

This concentration is designed for students interested in preventing leading public health problems through the development, analysis, implementation and evaluation of public health policies. Students affiliated with this concentration employ an interdisciplinary approach to their research in areas such as environmental and occupational health policy, injury prevention and control, social policy, and health and the practice of prevention.

View more program information about the Concentration in Health and Public Policy .

This concentration prepares doctoral students for conducting innovative and rigorous research on the economics of health and healthcare. The curriculum stresses a solid grounding in applied modern microeconomic theory, quantitative methods, and econometrics applications. Students take courses through the Department of Economics in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

View more program information about the Concentration in Health Economics and Policy.

This concentration prepares doctoral students for conducting innovative and rigorous quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation in health services delivery. The curriculum includes exposure to a wide variety of research methods, content areas, and datasets. It also offers the opportunity for in-depth study in areas such as public health informatics, quality of care and patient-centered outcomes research, including a focus on older adults, and health care disparities.

View more program information about the Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy.

Curriculum for the PhD in Health Policy and Management

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory .

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Health Policy And Management?

Our graduates graduates pursue research careers in top-tier universities, research and policy-making organizations, the health care industry and government agencies. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. All concentrations follow the same admission process. Please see below for full details on the scope of each concentration.

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Bioethics and Health Policy

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health and Public Policy

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health Economics and Policy

PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health Services Research and Policy

For general information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bloomberg School’s Tuition and Fees page.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]