Studying public health in the UK provides an excellent opportunity to delve into various health-related topics, including health promotion, health policy, disease prevention, global health issues, and health systems. Public health courses offer a comprehensive understanding of public health principles, including epidemiology, health promotion, health protection, and health services research and management.
For Indian students, undergraduate course fees generally range between £14,000 and £38,000 per year, depending on the university. For postgraduate courses, Indian students may expect to pay between £15,000 and £30,000 per year.
Learn more about the best public health courses in the UK below, or book a free consultation with SI-UK India today to begin your application.
Top 10 Universities for Studying Public Health in the UK
Below is the list of the top ten UK universities for studying public health, according to CUG 2024.
1. King's College London
King's College London’s Public Health MPH programme equips graduates and professionals with the expertise needed for leadership roles in public health. It offers interdisciplinary studies adaptable to individual interests and features guest speakers from the NHS and governmental agencies.
Core modules cover epidemiology, disease prevention, healthcare economics, and promotion. The programme also explores global health applications, and a dissertation project allows specialisation. Key benefits include tailored education, interdisciplinary foundation, and practical exposure.
- Suggested course: Public Health MPH
- Entry requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree.
- International fee: £33,258
2. Sheffield Hallam University
The MSc Public Health by Sheffield Hallam delves into the interplay between policy, evidence, and practice in healthcare, emphasising critical thinking and outcome measurement. It equips students with the competencies to join the UK Voluntary Register for Public Health specialists.
It offers academic credit for work-based learning, ideal for those in operational, managerial, or strategic public health roles. Core modules cover epidemiology, health promotion, inequality, infectious diseases, and public health evidence analysis. Electives include public health nutrition, practice, sexual health, and understanding behaviour.
- Suggested course: MSc Public Health
- Entry requirements: A degree or other qualification at an equivalent level plus experience in the field of public health or research.
- International fee: £17,205
3. University of Lincoln
The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree at Lincoln integrates theory and practice to prepare students for diverse roles in care sectors. Taught by experienced professionals with industry connections, the programme emphasises up-to-date policy and practice insights. Core modules in the first year cover foundational theories and values, progressing to explore mental health, digital workplaces, and global health perspectives.
In the final year, students specialise in areas aligning with their interests and career goals. They also have optional study-abroad opportunities to enhance their employability and broaden their understanding of international healthcare systems.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
- Entry requirements: 96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications. IB: Pass a diploma in a minimum of 2 higher-level subjects.
- International fee: £17,200
4. Bangor University
The MSc Public Health and Health Promotion course at Bangor University caters to diverse occupational backgrounds. It focuses on enhancing skills to improve health across varied populations. It covers health promotion, disease prevention, change management, policy evaluation, and intervention planning.
Course content encompasses social and behavioural sciences, health economics, research methodologies, and epidemiology. Students gain insights into cultural influences on health, public health policy, and practice. This programme equips graduates with the knowledge and tools to address contemporary health challenges effectively.
- Suggested course: MSc Public Health and Health Promotion
- Entry requirements: 2(ii) or higher undergraduate degree in a related subject; alternatively, possession of a suitable qualification and work experience will be considered.
- International fee: £18,000
5. Coventry University
Coventry University's BSc (Hons) Public Health degree targets health discrepancies and inequalities at local, national, and global scales, readying students to design, launch, and assess effective health interventions for improved results. The course provides an exhaustive study into disease prevention, health enhancement, and health safeguarding strategies to tackle the rising challenges in public health.
- Suggested course: Public Health BSc (Hons)
- Entry requirements: UCAS points: 112. A level: BBC (excludes General Studies). IB Diploma: 29 points, including 14 points at Higher level.
- International fee: £16,800
6. University of Huddersfield
The Master of Public Health at the University of Huddersfield responds to global and UK public health demands, offering a broader perspective. Designed for aspiring leaders, it enhances strategic thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice skills. The diverse student body enriches learning experiences, while innovative assessments prepare students for leadership roles.
Expert academics and guest speakers from government agencies contribute to a rich learning environment. Students also get additional support that ensures academic and professional skill development. The course prepares graduates for public health careers and provides a pathway for doctoral studies.
- Suggested course: Master of Public Health
- Entry requirements: An honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in a subject relevant to public health.
- International fee: £18,700
7. Swansea University
Swansea University's MSc Public Health and Health Promotion (PHHP) course intervenes in theory and practice with a distinctive emphasis on health promotion. The course readies students to make meaningful contributions to local, national, and international public health services.
The degree explores both medical viewpoints and the socio-economic factors influencing health. The curriculum aligns seamlessly with local, national, and global policies, thereby ensuring its relevance for students from diverse backgrounds and arming them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving global health landscape.
- Suggested course: Public Health and Health Promotion, MSc / PGDip
- Suggested course: A relevant bachelor's degree at 2.1 or above, an equivalent recognised qualification and/or two years of relevant employment with evidence of educational/professional achievement.
- Suggested course: £18,900
8. Edge Hill University
The MSc in Public Health Nutrition at Edge Hill University addresses the pressing nutritional challenges of the 21st century. It equips students with specialist scientific knowledge and practical skills to tackle heart health, fortification, and sustainability issues. Access to professional food science facilities enhances practical learning.
The curriculum covers diverse topics such as dietary recommendations, nutrient metabolism, behaviour change, and global health challenges. A research methods module prepares students for independent projects supervised by faculty experts. This programme offers a comprehensive understanding of public health nutrition backed by scientific evidence.
- Suggested course: MSc Public Health Nutrition
- Entry requirements: A UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject.
- International fee: £16,500
9. Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University's MSc in Public Health - Health Promotion gives students the knowledge and skills to promote and safeguard public health. Led by a dedicated team of academics, the programme adopts a social model of health, emphasising community empowerment and the role of public policy in promoting healthier societies.
Students explore behaviour change psychology and research methodologies, preparing them for diverse roles in health promotion across local authorities, healthcare, and voluntary sectors. The course, impacted by current global public health trends, offers state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities.
- Suggested course: MSc Public Health - Health Promotion
- Entry requirements: A second-class honours degree in health, social sciences, nursing, teaching, environmental health, health visiting, community work, or international development.
- International fee: £8,250
10. Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope University's Health & Social Care BA (Hons) degree offers a broad understanding of various health and social care issues, emphasising social perspectives. Ideal for those passionate about improving well-being, the programme delves into factors influencing health disparities and policy impacts.
Students tackle key health inequalities and effective care provision questions through lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Practical skills are honed through work-based learning and community projects facilitated by frontline professionals. The degree promotes reflective practitioners equipped to address diverse service user needs.
- Suggested course: Health & Social Care BA (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A-Levels - BCC. IB diploma 24 points. 104 UCAS Tariff points must come from at least two A Levels (or equivalent).
FAQ
Which health courses are in demand in the UK?
The University of Oxford and Cambridge offer well-respected medicine courses worldwide. Their courses provide a theoretical foundation coupled with early clinical exposure. Likewise, the University of Cambridge's Medicine course offers a traditional curriculum emphasising problem-based learning and clinical practice.
Other notable programmes include Imperial College London's MBBS/BSc Medicine, known for its integrated course structure, and University College London (UCL)'s MBBS Medicine, which strongly focuses on medical research and prepares students for a research-oriented career.
What is the number one medical school in the UK?
The University of Cambridge is the top-ranking university in the UK for medical studies. The university offers a robust programme that is both research-intensive and designed to equip students with the clinical skills necessary to excel in the medical field. The course combines pre-clinical studies, where students gain an in-depth understanding of the science of the human body, with clinical studies involving patient contact and practical experience from the beginning of the course.
Which is the easiest MBBS in the UK?
Pursuing a degree in medicine requires dedication, rigorous academic work, and practical training. However, regarding accessibility, some universities might have less stringent entry requirements than others.