If you’re interested in studying for a rewarding degree that can help make a real difference in the world, a master's in public health could be the right choice.
Public health involves preventing disease and prolonging health through the organised efforts of society and public health professionals. It focuses on discovering the determinants and contributing factors of infectious and non-infectious diseases to prevent their recurrence and make changes that can benefit the population's health as a whole.
Why study public health?
The critical role of public health worldwide is more obvious today than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health professionals are at the centre of things, working tirelessly and leading the way for understanding, containing and preventing the virus and minimising the loss of human life. Several careers can be pursued with a master's in public health degree in the UK and worldwide, and postgraduate programmes at UK universities help students develop practical and transferable skills that can be applied in various healthcare careers.
Learn more about the best universities to study public health in the UK, or start your application with SI-UK India today by booking a free consultation.
Top 10 Universities for Master's Degree in Public Health
Below is the list of the best universities in the UK for studying for a master's in public health, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
1. Liverpool John Moores University
The LJMU International Public Health Masters thoroughly understands health and its determinants, focusing on low and middle-income countries. Aligned with international strategies and SDGs, the programme addresses the double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Emphasising risk factor identification and strategic responses is not clinical but enhances public health knowledge and research skills. With a focus on low-resource settings, students benefit from LJMU's renowned Public Health Institute, gaining vital skills for improving population health, reducing inequality, and meeting dynamic public health sector demands.
- Suggested course: MSc International Public Health
- Entry requirements: A good honours degree in a health or social science-related discipline.
- International fee: £17,750
2. Swansea University
The MSc Public Health and Health Promotion at Swansea University is a well-established programme that integrates theory and practice with a focus on health promotion. Students engage in multidimensional public health studies, considering medical and socio-economic determinants. The curriculum aligns with regional, national, and global policies, offering relevant outcomes for both local and international students.
Situated in the School of Health and Social Care, the course benefits from a diverse research environment, with strong connections to professional networks worldwide. Aligned with UKPHR standards, it prepares students for a national and global health arena, highlighting the latest policy and practice developments.
- Suggested course: MSc Public Health and Health Promotion
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree at 2.1 or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- International fee: £ 19,850
3. University of Bolton
The University of Bolton's MSc in Public Health equips students with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to actively enhance individual, community, and societal health. Focusing on the recent pandemic's impact, the programme prepares practitioners for crucial local, national, and international public health roles.
Rooted in diverse disciplines like epidemiology and health informatics, it promotes understanding of health determinants, equity, and research skills. The programme's experiential learning and specialist modules cater to both current and aspiring public health professionals, encouraging lifelong learning for continuous professional development and meaningful contributions to research and practice.
- Suggested course: MSc Public Health
- Entry requirements: At least a lower second class (2.2) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
4. City, University of London
City, University of London's Master of Public Health (MPH) offers a comprehensive understanding of planning, measuring, and evaluating public health programmes and policies. It covers global case studies and delves into socio-economic and political influences on health. Exploring social health issues, the programme equips students with research, evaluation, and analytical skills applicable in diverse settings.
- Suggested course: Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Entry requirements: A first or upper-second-class honours degree or the equivalent from an international institution
- International fee: £15,500
5. Coventry University
This accredited Master's course in Global Public Health at Coventry University details key public health principles, employing contemporary examples and incorporating a medical anthropology perspective. It emphasizes current public health dilemmas and large-scale incident responses and prepares future leaders in the field.
- Suggested course: MSc Global Public Health
- Entry requirements: A minimum of a 2:2 or higher in a social science-related undergraduate degree or an equivalent appropriate qualification.
- International fee: £18,600
6. University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde's MSc in Health Analysis, Policy & Management equips students with an all-around skillset applicable to healthcare policy and service delivery roles. The programme focuses on evidence-based decision-making and is designed for careers in health services, government, insurers, and medical technologies.
- Suggested course: MSc Health Analysis, Policy & Management
- Entry requirements: A minimum second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent.
- International fee: £28,250
7. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham's Public Health MPH course, with over 30 years of experience, offers theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in public health. Globally renowned experts teach the programme and covers diverse areas, from health protection to epidemiology. Students benefit from academic networks, collaborations with external partners like WHO and UKHSA, and engagement in real-world local-level change.
- Suggested course: Master of Public Health MPH
- Entry requirements: Undergraduate degree - 2:1. IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each element).
- International fee: £25,250
8. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) programme for those aspiring to impactful careers in public health. The course delves into the intricate relationships between individual biology, genetics, and the behavioural, social, and environmental factors influencing public health. It emphasises evidence gathering, examination, and practical application to effect positive societal change.
- Suggested course: Master of Public Health
- Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree from a UK or an international institute, plus at least six months of work experience in a public health-related field.
- International fee: £16,950
9. University of Exeter
The collaborative Public Health programme by the University of Exeter and Exeter Business School aims to develop competent leaders in the dynamic field of public health. Combining the expertise of public health experts and leadership specialists, the programme delivers integrated, multi-disciplinary learning. Focused on disease prevention, life prolongation, and health promotion, it addresses broad health issues at individual, community, and societal levels.
- Suggested course: Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Entry requirements: At least a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject, such as Life, Health or Medical Science degrees, or intercalating medical students with relevant public health work experience.
- International fee: £27,500
10. Aston University
Aston University's Master of Public Health (MPH) programme, based in Birmingham, empowers students to tackle global public health challenges. Designed for professionals in the field or those entering, it enhances skills for clinical practice or senior management roles. In-depth exploration of local, national, and global health concerns, epidemiology, health promotion, and critical appraisal is facilitated.
- Suggested course: Public Health (MPH)
- Entry requirements: A UK lower second class honours degree (2.2) or equivalent overseas degree.
- International fee: £22,750
Study Public Health Master's in the UK
If you are interested in pursuing a career in public health and need more information on the application process, entry requirements, scholarships, visas and more for these universities, arrange your free consultation online or at one of our offices today.
FAQ
What is the role of public health in the UK?
UK public health covers various responsibilities to protect and improve the population's health. This includes disease prevention, health promotion, health education, epidemiology (study of patterns, causes, and effects of diseases in populations), monitoring and surveillance of health trends, policy development, and ensuring access to healthcare services. Public health professionals work across sectors to address infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health hazards, health inequalities, etc.
Is public health a good career choice?
Public health offers enormous opportunities to impact population health and address pressing health challenges significantly. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about promoting health equity, preventing diseases, conducting research, and influencing health policies. However, like any career, it has challenges and may require dedication, flexibility, and continuous learning.
How much do public health workers earn in the UK?
According to several sources such as the National Health Service (NHS) and job websites, entry-level positions in public health may start around £20,000 to £30,000 per year. In contrast, experienced professionals or those in senior positions can earn significantly higher, ranging from £40,000 to £100,000 or more annually.
What can I do after a public health degree?
A public health degree opens up diverse career opportunities in various sectors, including:
- Government agencies (e.g., Public Health England, NHS)
- Local authorities
- Nonprofit organisations
- International organisations (e.g., WHO, UNICEF)
- Healthcare institutions
- Research institutions and academia
Career options include epidemiologist, health educator, health policy analyst, community health worker, environmental health specialist, public health consultant, and many more.
How do I become a public health doctor in the UK?
To become a public health doctor (also known as a public health consultant) in the UK, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent).
- Gain relevant clinical experience through postgraduate training in a speciality such as general practice, internal medicine, paediatrics, etc.
- Complete a master's degree or diploma in public health or a related field accredited by the UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH).
- Gain practical experience in public health settings through placements or jobs in epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, etc.
- You can apply for specialty training in public health through the Public Health Specialty Training Programme, which is accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC).
- Complete the training programme, which typically takes 5-6 years and includes rotations in various public health domains.
- Obtain membership or fellowship with the Faculty of Public Health (MFPH or FFPH) upon completion of training.
- Apply for consultant-level positions in public health within the NHS, government agencies, or other organisations.
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