Overview
The on-campus Master of Public Health (MPH) is a comprehensive and dynamic course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to excel in the field of public health.
You’ll study both local and global public health contexts, addressing current issues and challenges, with sustainability as a core aspect.
The course has been mapped to both the UK Faculty of Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework and the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) curriculum.
You’ll take part in practical placements, internships, and collaborative projects as well as practical workshops, guest lectures and networking.
In addition to expert academics and public health practitioners from a range of public health practices, you’ll be taught by and work with the researchers at the campus-based Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH), a world-leading centre for research in marketing, behaviour change and public policy with over 40 years of research experience.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
The course has been mapped to both the UK Faculty of Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework and the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) curriculum.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to take an optional Public Health Placement module. You’ll apply theory in practice, gaining real-world experience of public health as it’s practised in authentic settings. Throughout the module, you’ll:
- identify your learning and professional development needs;
- write and implement a learning contract within your placement setting;
- engage with a range of people working within public health;
- critically reflect on your own practice.
Placement opportunities may be provided by the Faculty or organised by the student.
Research overview
Our research is world-class and is recognised for its quality and innovation. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) analysis 100% of our research environment, 80% of our research impact and 83% of our overall research in Allied Health Professions and Nursing is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Engaging with both local and global public health contexts, this course is tailored to address contemporary public health challenges and foster a holistic understanding of population health. Our on-campus MPH is set within a broader understanding of sustainability relating to both the healthcare sector directly and the wider determinants of health and interventions.
You’ll have the opportunity to choose a 20 credit optional module in your Spring semester, including Public Health Placement (MPHP006) or other relevant modules from the University’s postgraduate suite of modules.
The course culminates in your Masters Dissertation (Health) where you’ll undertake a significant piece of independent study using established methods of research enquiry to explore a public health topic aligned to your area of interest.
Modules
Compulsory modules
| Public Health Practice (MPHP001) | 20 credits |
| Global Health (MPHP002) | 20 credits |
| Research Methods in Health (MPHP003) | 20 credits |
| Applied Epidemiology (MPHP004) | 20 credits |
| Sustainability in Public Health (MPHP005) | 20 credits |
| Masters Dissertation (Health) (MPHP007) | 60 credits |
Course Details
Teaching
Teaching will be delivered via blended learning, face-to-face on campus and online - taking into account different learning needs and aims to inspire innovation and creativity.
We use a range of blended teaching methods, including:
- lectures and workshops;
- simulations and scenario-based teaching;
- optional practical placements;
- group work and peer-learning;
- online videos and recorded lectures;
- guest speaker series and networking.
Assessment
You will experience a range of different forms of assessment including practical, written, presentation and clinical tasks, which will be delivered either in-person or online.
To incorporate student perspective and a student-centred approach, you will conduct and receive a peer review.
You will also be required to submit self-evaluation to help you develop self-awareness, confidence and supportive relationships with peers, teaching staff and practice partners.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2024/25 | 2025/26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland | N/A | £9,500 |
| International (including EU) students | N/A | £20,600 |
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
You will graduate with the relevant public health skills and knowledge needed for a career as a public health researcher, policymaker or practitioner across the public, private, voluntary, community and not-for-profit sectors.
Some examples of the types of roles you will be qualified for include Health Policy Advisor, Public Health Advisor, Substance Misuse Worker, Health Improvement Practitioner, Public Health Nutritionist and Advanced Health Improvement Practitioner.
You’ll also be in a good position to apply to the UK Public Health specialty training programme. You could also apply to pursue a PhD in Public Health.
