Public Health (MSc)
Duration: 12 months (full-time); 27 months (part-time)*|Hope Park|Start month: September 2026 and January 2027
International students can apply
About the Course
Applications are now open for the September 2026 intake
A growing global concern- from widening health inequalities to emerging infectious threats is the urgent need for innovative, research-informed public health leadership. This MSc in Public Health responds directly to that challenge. Designed for graduates and professionals who are passionate about improving health and wellbeing, the programme equips you with the knowledge, analytical tools, and practical skills to make a meaningful impact at local, national, and international levels.
Delivered jointly by the Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences and Education and Social Sciences, the course offers a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective. You will explore the social, economic, and structural barriers that shape health outcomes, examining theories and approaches to reducing inequality in diverse contexts. Crucially, you will move beyond theory to practice- designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that promote health and address deep rooted disparities.
Throughout the programme, you will develop advanced skills in interpreting and analysing data to protect public health, particularly in response to emerging threats. A substantial empirical research or intervention project allows you to apply your learning to real-world challenges, strengthening your capacity as an evidence-based practitioner.
This MSc is ideal for those seeking careers in public health, health promotion, policy, research, or social care. As a graduate, you will leave with not only a critical understanding of contemporary public health issues, but also the creativity, adaptability, and professional vision required to drive positive change in complex systems.
Curriculum Overview
This MSc Public Health programme is designed as a carefully structured professional and intellectual journey. Across 180 credits, students progress from building strong methodological and conceptual foundations to becoming confident, reflective and research-informed public health practitioners capable of leading change in complex environments.
Modules
Researching Public Health module (30 credits)
This module provides the methodological backbone of the degree. Here, students develop advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative research, systematic reviewing, epidemiology, evaluation, and policy analysis. Through lectures and workshops, they learn to critically appraise evidence, analyse complex datasets, and assess bias, validity and applicability. By the end of this module, students can design robust studies and translating evidence into practice. Personally, this stage builds intellectual confidence and critical thinking; professionally, it equips students with the analytical tools demanded across health systems worldwide.
During this course, students also explore the three pillars of public health: protection, promotion, and prevention.
Protecting Public Health (15 credits)
Students engage with epidemiology, surveillance systems, outbreak preparedness, environmental hazards, and ethical and legal frameworks. Case-based learning strengthens their ability to interpret surveillance data, assess risk, and design proportionate responses to emerging threats. This module develops professional competence in crisis response and strategic decision-making.
Promoting Public Health (15 credits)
This module shifts the focus to intervention design and community engagement. Students critically analyse health promotion models, behaviour change strategies, and partnership working. They learn to co-produce inclusive, evidence-based interventions and to navigate ethical tensions around autonomy, equity and resource allocation. Through applied assessments, students refine their ability to communicate ideas clearly to diverse audiences- an essential leadership skill.
Tackling Inequalities in Health (15 credits)
Addressing the structural roots of health disparities, this module examines social determinants, global governance, and preventative policy. Students critically evaluate how income, environment, welfare systems and power structures shape health outcomes. This module fosters political awareness, systems thinking and the ability to advocate for equitable public health policy.
Public Health Approaches to Physical Activity and Nutrition (15 credits)
This applied module foregrounds two of the most pressing non-communicable disease drivers globally. Students explore malnutrition in all its forms, food systems and sustainability, behavioural influences, built environments, and physical inactivity. They critically evaluate policy interventions and design context-sensitive strategies that address real-world challenges- from ultra-processed foods to active travel and 15-minute cities. This specialisation strengthens practical competence in intervention planning and evaluation while highlighting the interconnectedness of health, environment and society.
Global Public Health (15 credits)
Students analyse global governance, health equity, climate change, migration, pandemics, and sustainable development. Through comparative policy analysis and programme evaluation, they build the capacity to interpret global data and design culturally responsive interventions. This module expands professional horizons and cultivates global citizenship.
Public Health Practice (15 credits)
Students engage with self-leadership, reflective and reflexive practice, compassionate communication, co-production, and advocacy. They learn to translate complex health information into accessible formats and to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. This module ensures graduates are not only technically skilled but ethically grounded and professionally resilient.
Dissertation in Public Health (60 Credits)
The programme culminates in a Dissertation in Public Health, an independent research project of approximately 15,000 words. Supported by dedicated supervision, students identify a research problem, conduct a literature review, design ethically sound methodology, analyse data, and present findings with clarity and academic rigour. Whether undertaking primary or secondary research, students synthesise the full range of knowledge and skills developed across the programme. This capstone experience marks the transition from student to independent public health researcher and practitioner.
Throughout the course, small-group teaching, workshops, applied assessments, and ongoing academic support foster intellectual growth, collaborative learning, and personal confidence. By graduation, students have developed advanced analytical capability, ethical awareness, global perspective, leadership skills, and the creativity to design meaningful public health solutions. Professionally prepared and personally empowered, they leave ready to influence policy, strengthen communities, and protect and promote health in an increasingly complex world.
Entry Requirements
Normally a minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification is required.
International Entry Requirements
Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.
For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.
For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages.
*Part time study is not available for Non-EU International applicants
Teaching and Research
This MSc Public Health is delivered by research-active academics drawn from two faculties- Human and Digital Sciences and Education and Social Sciences- bringing together a breadth of interdisciplinary expertise that reflects the complexity of contemporary public health challenges. Staff specialise in health protection, health promotion, social determinants of health, inequality, nutrition, physical activity, and global health governance.
Our teaching is directly informed by ongoing research. Academic staff are actively engaged in projects addressing health inequalities, poverty, hate crime, and structural disadvantage, ensuring that students learn from scholars who are contributing to real-world change. Their research shapes module content, case studies, and assessment design, enabling students to engage critically with current debates and emerging evidence.
Many members of the teaching team are involved in local and national policy discussions, working closely with public health teams, third-sector organisations, and community partners. These strong external connections enrich the curriculum through applied insight and collaborative opportunities. Guest lectures delivered by local organisations, members of local government, and public health teams give students direct exposure to professional practice and policy implementation.
This commitment to real-world impact is further illustrated by a large-scale conference on tackling health inequalities organised by members of the teaching team, bringing together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Such initiatives demonstrate the programme’s active role in shaping public health discourse.
The integration of research, advocacy, and professional engagement creates a dynamic learning environment- ensuring students benefit from academic rigour grounded in practice and informed by meaningful societal engagement
UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees
2026/27
Tuition fees for Home students are £10,000
Funding
We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.
EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees
2026/27
Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2026/27 are £17,500
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees.
Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Careers
The MSc Public Health prepares graduates for diverse and impactful roles across local, national and global health sectors. The programme equips students with the knowledge and practical expertise required for employment in health improvement, health protection, policy, and research.
Graduates may pursue roles such as Public Health Practitioner, Health Promotion Specialist, Health Analyst, Policy Advisor, Community Development Officer, or Research Associate. Opportunities exist within the NHS, local authorities, government departments, voluntary and third-sector organisations, international NGOs, and global agencies.
The programme’s strong emphasis on research methods, intervention design, and data analysis enhances employability in evidence-based roles and doctoral study pathways. Engagement with practitioner standards, case-based learning, and applied assessments ensures graduates are work-ready and capable of leading collaborative, ethically informed initiatives.
By combining academic rigour with professional relevance, the course supports graduates in building meaningful careers dedicated to reducing inequalities and improving health outcomes worldwide.