The WHO Collaborating Centre at Imperial College London Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is a full-time academic programme (35 hours/week) aimed at Public Health, Family Medicine, Medical Academics, and Clinical Specialists.
- Candidates will spend 3 days a week on placements carefully organised to reflect their professional interests. The placements can be in the NHS [GP Surgeries, Primary Care Trusts, NHS Hospitals, and UK Health Security Agency], academic institutions, or organisations that we collaborate with that fit your needs.
- The remaining 2 days a week can be devoted to academic activities, taking part in academic work and engaging in research with the view of producing at least one paper for publication.
Overview
The Postgraduate Fellowship includes a range of internal and external competency-based courses to complement particular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements. Activities include weekly academic seminars, Student and Fellows presentation skills enhancement group, a Journal Club, and monthly seminars.
Structure
We typically offer a one-year programme with a possible extension. As our Postgraduate Fellowship is a bespoke programme always tailored to each individual Fellow’s professional needs, we also cater for shorter fellowships.
Some of the Types of Fellowships We Offer:
- Clinical Fellowships
- Academic and Research Fellowships
- Lifestyle Medicine Fellowships
- Sports and Exercise Medicine Fellowships
- Leadership and Health Management Fellowships
- Medical Innovation and Technology Fellowships
- Public Health and Policy Fellowships
- Occupational Health Fellowships
The WHO CC-ICL Postgraduate Fellowship Programme aims to skill future health leaders with practical expertise in public health, primary care, academic, clinical medicine, and health services research.
Objectives:
- Learn about the principles and core functions of the British National Health Service (NHS).
- Become a mentor and teacher in a higher education institute.
- Understand the role of leadership in high performing systems.
- Examine the links between academia and health systems.
- Learn about research methods and ethics.
- Examine strategies to enhance teamwork and patient-centred approaches.
- Learn about governance (clinical, financial and corporate).
- Conduct health research and innovation.
Duration and Location
- The fellowship ranges from 3 months up to two years.
- It can start at any given date as preferrable.
- The fellowship happens in London, United Kingdom.
Fees
~£40,000/year excluding any accommodation and travel expenses.
- Usually covered by government or organisational sponsors.
- Fees can change depending on the topic and duration.
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related or relevant field (e.g. medicine [MD, MBBS], public health, nursing, health policy, epidemiology, nutrition, environmental health, or related disciplines). A Master’s degree (MPH, MSc, MHA or equivalent) or relevant postgraduate training is strongly preferred for non-medical fields.
- At least two years of relevant professional experience in the health sector, academia, research, or public service. Applicants can be working within ministries of health, academic institutions, WHO, UN agencies, NGOs, or public health institutions will be prioritised.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is mandatory. IELTS academic 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all elements.
- A letter of support from the applicant’s home institution, confirming endorsement and, where applicable, study leave approval.
- A letter of sponsorship or financial guarantee for full payment.
- Specific cohorts may have additional criteria based on thematic focus (e.g. digital health, emergency preparedness, lifestyle medicine).
Step 1: Check and Meet Eligibility Criteria
Step 2: Submission of Application: Interested applicants should send a complete application package [4 documents] that includes a 1. completed interest form [linked], 2. curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages including educational background, work experience, publications etc. with exact dates), 3. document or letter with financial guarantee, 4. proof of English language proficiency [IELTS results].
The completed application package [4 documents] with all the required documents should be sent to: [email protected]. Please state your full name and the type of fellowship you are interested in clearly in the email.
Step 3: Review and Shortlisting: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of WHOCC staff and collaborators.
Step 4: Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview for initial introductions and further assessment of suitability and professional commitment.
Step 5: Final Selection and Notification: Decisions will be communicated via email. Successful candidates will receive a formal letter of acceptance, including details on the fellowship schedule and next steps.
Fellowship Handbook
Details about the fellowship and the WHO Collaborating Centre within the Department of primary care and public health can be found in the handbook. Click on the icon above to download the form.
Current and Previous Fellows
Click the icon above to learn more about our current and previous fellows.
Check out the video between one of our Fellows, Dr Fakhria AlRashdi, and our Project Manager, Ela Augustyniak.
Fakhria talks about her experience and why she chose to complete her Clinical Public Health Fellowship with our centre.
Video Editing and Production: Mona Kuroiwa, WHOCC Intern.
For further information:
Please see the Fellowship Handbook or contact:
[email protected]
Postgraduate Fellowship in Leadership
Our Centre aims to enhance global public health through innovative education, training, and research initiatives. We work to strengthen health systems, build leadership capacity, and address pressing health challenges through evidence-based approaches.
Postgraduate Clinical Fellowship in Occupational Health
This Clinical Fellowship provides structured, immersive training in Occupational Health, combining practical clinical work, academic education, research engagement, and advocacy. Fellows will gain experience in managing and prevention of work-related conditions while being supported by expert mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.