Online students on a Lancaster University residential

Postgraduate Study online

Online courses from our Division of Health Research combine online taught modules and ongoing thesis supervision with optional residential academies held annually at Lancaster University. 

In addition to traditional PhD supervision, we offer a range of online Master's and PhD programmes.

These combine the very best of traditional taught and research options with innovative online and distance learning approaches, creating flexible, part-time degrees that can be undertaken from anywhere in the world.

Our online degrees are led by research-active, world-leading academics within our Faculty, home to the Division of Health Research and a number of specialist research centres. Students following this option become part of a truly international cohort pursuing academic qualifications to enhance their professional practice.

How does it work?

Each academic year begins with an optional autumn academy held at our Lancaster campus. These Autumn academies are between three and five days in length, these include lectures, workshops, group discussions and individual activities such as supervision meetings. While you're encouraged to attend these Academies in person, you can also join online.

Taught modules relating to the area of study, and those designed to take your research skills to the next level, are delivered during Year 1 and 2 via online learning. We use the Moodle platform for this aspect of your degree - combining live and interactive lectures, elements to be worked through autonomously, webinars, online collaboration and group work.

In Year 2 of your Master's and Years 3 - 7 of your PhD, you will undertake a research project and/or thesis from your own location. Related to your area of practice, this is fully supervised from Lancaster so you will have support every step of the way.

Supervision can be via email, Teams, or telephone depending on your preference. Master's students will be assigned one supervision tutor, PhD students will be assigned two supervision tutors (with one leading the process).

Our international focus

You'll benefit from an international peer group tackling some of the most complex global issues in health and medicine. Fellow students may include academics in other institutions, health and social care professionals and public health practitioners.

You'll also have access to a virtual information space to connect with your cohort and with other programmes, creating a space which is international, inter-disciplinary, and sociable.

Can't decide between a Master's or PhD?

If you are unsure whether to register for a Master's or a PhD, then it is possible to register for a Master's programme initially and subsequently transfer to a PhD route. We currently offer transfer options (subject to conditions) for blended learning programmes in Ageing and Health Economics and Policy.

For further details contact Dr Caroline Swarbrick, Director of Taught Studies.

Courses