Public Health (Research)

The Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences is the central hub for public health research at the University of Exeter. We are an interdisciplinary group, with backgrounds in epidemiology, psychology, sociology, geography, medicine and nursing, as well as more traditional public health training. We work together to address complex public health problems.

Research themes include:

• Oceans, Human Health and Wellbeing

• Nature, Biodiversity and Health

• Climate Change and Health

• Community and Social and Health Inequalities

• Antimicrobial Resistance and Environmental Pollution

• Food Systems & Planetary Health

• Children and Young People's Mental Health

• Healthy Lives for Older People

• Food, Nutrition and Health

Public Health research at the University of Exeter covers a diverse range of interrelated topics, and our researchers cover a wide range of key global challenges areas tackled in cutting edge public health. Centres of excellence include the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHERE) at Exeter and the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Penryn.

The University of Exeter's membership of the NIHR School for Public Health Research is a mark of distinction in research excellence. In addition, we supervise public health registrars on the Health Education England South West Public Health (SWPH) training scheme and provide public health training to students on our undergraduate medicine programme.

In Cornwall, the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) is a world-leading, transdisciplinary research and education centre tackling the critical interconnections between the climate and environmental emergencies and human health. It has an extensive national and international portfolio of research and education including funding from all major UK and European research funders. The ECEHH has strong partnerships with local communities, governments and organisations in the UK and internationally, including the Met Office (based in Exeter), the UK Health Security Agency, and Natural England, and is the WHO Collaborating Centre on Natural Environments and Health.

PGR students also have access to key University Research Networks including the Exeter Food Network, Exeter Marine, Children and Young People's Wellbeing @ Exeter, and Environmental Intelligence @ Exeter.

To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.