Admissions
How competitive is entry? How many applicants do you get per year?
Admissions to LSHTM doctoral programmes are competitive, though numbers vary by department and year. Selection is based on the quality of your proposal, academic record, supervisor fit, and preparedness for independent research.
While there is no limit on the intake of PhD students, the DrPH programme aims to register around 20 students per year.
Do you need publications before applying?
No. Publications are helpful but not required. Applicants should show research potential, relevant skills, and a strong proposal.
Do I need a Master’s degree to apply?
No. While many applicants have masters training, you can also apply with an upper second-class Honors degree or a medicine, dentistry or veterinary qualification. Some students apply while they are completing their Master’s.
Can I apply to both the PhD and DrPH?
You should choose the degree that best aligns with your career goals. Applying to both is possible but not recommended because they serve different purposes.
If I have a UK Master’s degree, do I still need IELTS?
Supervisors & Supervision Structure
Do supervisors need to be physically based in London?
No. Supervisors may be based elsewhere, including LSHTM overseas MRC units. At least one member of the supervisory team or advisory committee will be London-based, to support the student during their time in London.
Can I have supervisors from another institution (e.g., UCL, LSE)?
Yes.
- Primary supervisor must be LSHTM faculty.
- Secondary/tertiary supervisors can be from other universities, though most are LSHTM staff.
How many supervisors can I have (PhD/DrPH)?
All students have at least two supervisors. Sometimes students have more than this, depending on the project’s scope and interdisciplinarity.
Residency & study location flexibility
Are the DrPH and PhD available by distance learning?
No. Both programmes require specific periods of time resident in London, though there is flexibility to spend extended periods elsewhere.
Do I need to spend time in London? (PhD & DrPH)
Yes. All LSHTM doctoral students are expected to spend a minimum of 9 months in London during their programme (unless you are registered under a specific scheme with different requirements). This usually includes the first 3 months after registration, with the remaining time spread across the degree as needed.
This residency is important because it gives you access to essential in-person training, helps you build strong working relationships with your supervisors, enables you to take part in the School’s research community.
Can I spend Year 1 in the UK, Year 2 abroad, and Year 3 back in the UK?
Yes. As long as the minimum 9-month requirement is met.
Funding & Financial Support
Are there funding opportunities for international students, including Latin America, Nigeria, LMIC countries?
Yes. There are some funding opportunities open to all nationalities.
Sources include:
- LSHTM-funded studentships (various schemes)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Chevening (for DrPH taught modules is rare, but sometimes possible)
- External funders in home countries
Where are funded studentships advertised?
Studentships are posted on the Funding section of the LSHTM website.
How do most students fund their PhD?
A mix of:
- Scholarships/studentships
- Employer sponsorship
- External funders
- Self-funding
Some funders require an admission letter before awarding funding. Can I get an offer without funding?
Yes. LSHTM can issue an offer conditional on funding, which you can then use to apply for scholarships.
Part-time study & working while studying
Is the part-time DrPH or PhD compatible with full-time employment?
It is very challenging to complete a PhD or DrPH while working full-time. You must ensure you have adequate time to dedicate to the research degree, averaging 0.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) over the course of your registration (full-time is 35 hours per week). We would recommend that you work part-time and study part-time or study full-time. If you plan to work full-time for some or all of your degree, your supervisors will need to see that you have a realistic plan to identify sufficient time for your Research Degree, for example, through periods of study leave, or by including aspects of your Research Degree in your working role.
How does it work for employer-sponsored part-time students?
Students must still meet academic milestones and may use blocks of time away from work to focus on study. Some employers allow study leave.
How many days per week does a part-time PhD require?
Typically 50% of full time, but this can vary depending on project stage and employer flexibility.
Can I register part-time and still finish within four years?
The minimum period of registration for a PhD is 36 months for part-time and 24 months for full-time, but most students take longer than this. The minimum period of registration for a DrPh is 48 months for part-time and 36 months for full-time,
DrPH-Specific Questions
Are scholarships available for DrPH students, particularly from LMICs or MD backgrounds?
Funding for DrPH is more limited but may include funding from external organisations.
Do applicants need both a research proposal and an OPA (Organisational/Policy Analysis) outline?
Yes. DrPH applications require both:
- A short research proposal
- An OPA outline (See DrPH application guidance)
Who arranges the OPA placement?
Students usually propose their host organisation, but LSHTM can help identify and negotiate placements.
Is an MBA in Health Services Management acceptable for DrPH entry?
Yes. An MBA in a health-related field meets the requirement for a relevant Master’s degree.
Application Materials: References, Proposal, Tips
What tips would you suggest for developing a strong application?
- Define a precise research question: Develop a clear, focused, and realistic question that your study aims to address.
- Contact potential supervisors early.
- Align your proposal with LSHTM’s research strengths.
- Demonstrate research readiness and relevant experience.
- Show that you are familiar with some published literature in the area you want to study.
- Provide clear, feasible aims and methods.
Can referees use personal email addresses if they are not allowed to use their work one?
Admissions will confirm, but professional emails are preferred. If not possible, personal emails may be accepted with justification. Applicants will need to email [email protected] to let them know. In the referee email box on the application form, you should give the referees’ details but include email as [email protected].
Some applicants have left academia a long time ago. Can references then be professional?
If you have been out of academia for several years, two professional references are acceptable.
Housing & Practical Matters
What is the housing situation in London?
Options include:
- LSHTM-recommended accommodation
- University of London halls
- Private rentals
International students typically search via: - LSHTM accommodation resources
- SpareRoom, Rightmove, Zoopla
You should plan early, as London housing is competitive. Check the LSHTM website for information on accommodation.
Will LSHTM help with visa for international students?
Yes, LSHTM can provide guidance with regards to the visa requirements. They can be contacted at [email protected].