Research some of the world's most pressing public health issues with a PhD or MD(Res).

Imperial is one of the world’s leading universities, with the School of Public Health being one of the UK's top institution in public health research. The School’s strength lies in being able to draw on the critical mass of research expertise found throughout its departments and across Imperial College London, in additional to its close links with the Imperial College Academic Health Sciences Centre and the Imperial College Healthcare Trust.

The School introduces and integrates its doctoral students into its research, teaching and evidence-led policy work to allow them to not only develop as researchers but to also work alongside experts from a wide range of backgrounds to gain new skills and expertise.

The School of Public Health’s PhD students work within six broad areas:

Research areas:

  • Epidemiology and biostatistics
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Primary care and public health
  • Genomics of common diseases
  • Neuroepidemiology and ageing
  • Clinical trials and evaluation

These form the six departments that make up the School of Public Health, with the overall focus being on addressing the major public health challenges of the twenty-first century.

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Key information

PhD/MD(Res) Modes and Duration: Full Time 3 years (Plus 1 year writing up if required; thesis submission must be within 48months of enrolment), Part Time 6 years

For information on fees visit the Postgraduate tuition fees page

Application deadlines: Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, however, most students start in September/October in line with the beginning of the academic year. Start dates may be governed by particular funding opportunities and you should consider this when preparing your application.

Please note, academic supervisors should be contacted prior to submitting your application; no application will be processed without a confirmed supervisor. Please, therefore, give yourself adequate time to start the application process should you have a particular start date in mind.

How to apply

Prior to submitting an application for admission, you must secure a potential supervisor. Supervisors will then carry out an interview to assess the candidate. Following a successful interview the candidate will need to apply to the programme via My Imperial.  The programme is Clinical Medicine PhD programme (School of Public Health).

For more information and support please refer to Postgraduate admissions

Research Student Handbook

The SPH Postgraduate Research Programme Handbook (PDF)‌ covers the basic guidance and procedural information that students will require throughout their period of study in the School.

Research Training Programme

The School offers numerous Research Training opportunities to its research students.

Contact details