This programme aims to provide rigorous postgraduate training to those interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research across public health and the social sciences. It offers a structured training towards research either for a PhD or as a stand-alone degree, the basis for a research career. The Global Public Health Unit (GPHU) was established to carry out and disseminate research in health policy and provide exceptional postgraduate teaching. Focusing on the principles of equity, access and universality, we have gained an international reputation for the quality and social relevance of our research. Our research is organised around the following four intersecting themes, each of which is central to contemporary policy debates: Commercial sector and public health; Health systems and global governance; Social determinants of health and public policy; Science, advocacy and health policy. GPHU staff have a history of conducting outstanding research and of playing a leading role in debates around the impact of current policies on public health and social inequalities. We contribute to the world's leading peer-reviewed journals and to professional journals, as well as the wider media.