Overview
Public health has been described as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health. It affects all aspects of our lives. The world needs more skilled public health professionals to find solutions to global challenges.
Our Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree will give you the expertise to protect the health of people and their communities. You’ll explore leadership, communication and systems. Mixing public health theories with practical expertise will enable you to effect positive change.
Accredited and aligned with public health standards
We ensure that our students receive the highest standard of education. Our curriculum is validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). Our curriculum is also aligned with the:
- UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework
- European Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation
Course flexibility and CPD modules
This MPH Public Health course is delivered 100% online. You can create a bespoke course tailored to your career goals and learning needs. Any of the current modules are available as part of your continuous professional development (CPD).
Focus on practical learning
This is a practical course that uses real-world case studies and projects. You can apply your knowledge and skills to authentic public health challenges. Practical learning opportunities include guest lectures, group projects, problem-based learning or simulations.
You will be taught by world-leading public health academics from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport and the Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH). ISMH has over 40 years of experience in research leading to improvements in population health and wellbeing. We are passionate about public health.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
This course aims to produce highly skilled public health practitioners and leaders. It will allow you to develop your own specialisms and areas of interest, while reflecting on the role of public health in improving the lives of communities and populations. Through your studies, you’ll learn how to:
- analyse and apply public health theory and approaches to a range of key areas;
- gain first-hand insight into the skills and methods used by researchers, practitioners and policymakers;
- develop practical and transferable skills, including communication, research methods, critical appraisal, and the development of recommendations for policy and practice.
A distinctive MPH Masters course
This multidisciplinary course is founded on the belief that improving population health and reducing health inequalities is vital to creating a better society. It combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills, working in collaboration with global experts and third sector partners, to develop your expertise and understanding of public health practice, research and policy.
Our course has a strong focus on the social impact of public health policy: investigating how society can tackle health inequalities, exploring the role of public health advocacy in driving change, and considering the relationship between grassroots experiences and the policies that shape interventions. There is also a strong focus on public health practice, helping you develop the discipline specific skills and boundary-spanning competencies that are most relevant to current and future careers in public health, through individual study and collaborations with other students and staff. Our curriculum is aligned with both the UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework and the European Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation.
Professional accreditation
Our Masters degree in Public Health is awarded curriculum validation by Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). It's aligned with international standards to assure our students that our course is of the highest quality. This confirms that the curriculum adheres to European standards for a modern degree.
Our curriculum is aligned with the UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework. This is a UK-wide tool to develop public health professional skills needed in the future.
Our curriculum is also aligned with the European Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation.
Research overview
The MPH course is delivered with close support from Stirling University’s Institute of Social Marketing and Health (ISMH). For over 40 years, the ISMH has provided world-leading research on public health policy with a particular focus on the role of commercial drivers in shaping public health outcomes. You will benefit from being taught by researchers working closely with this highly regarded and influential research unit.
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. 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 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Course details
This innovative course creates an engaging and balanced online learning environment. You’ll be supported throughout by the course director and your dedicated personal tutor.
You will study four core modules to develop a foundational understanding of:
- public health practice
- epidemiology
- policy
- research
You will then choose two further modules, reflecting your own interests and aspirations.
In the final year, you will bring that learning together to complete your own research project. You will produce a journal article, a research briefing and a short presentation for stakeholders. Your project can be on a topic relevant to your area of professional practice.
Modules for CPD
You’re also able to take any of the current Master of Public Health (MPH) modules as part of your individual continuous professional development (CPD).
Modules
Teaching
How you'll learn online
We use a wide range of teaching digital methods, including:
- online videos and recorded lectures;
- webinars and online discussions;
- podcasts with external experts;
- online discussion forums that enable you to post text, graphics, audio and video;
- a wide range of digital resources to download or read on screen.
All students get access to the full Office 365 suite, including Teams and access to a range of downloadable apps to improve their online learning experience.
You're expected to complete no more than one module each semester.
Assessment
Our authentic assessments are designed to help you develop the practical skills that you will need to apply in your career as a public health specialist.
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including essays, short-answer exams, project plans, objective test questions, posters, presentations, policy briefs and academic journal manuscripts.
We have also developed a unique final year project module where instead of a traditional 12,000-word dissertation following your research project, our students write a draft journal article manuscript (with a real submission possible and encouraged), a policy brief and a presentation.
Classroom hours
All our modules have scheduled live online discussion sessions which typically take place in the evening (UK time). The exact day and time will vary depending on the module, but these sessions are recorded and can be viewed later.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
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.
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.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
If you complete this course in 36 months or less, you may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
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
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.
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
A Master of Public Health (MPH) allows you to access a wide range of career paths in public health practice, policy and research. Public health roles differ greatly in the work they focus on and in their specific job titles.
Some examples of the types of roles you’ll be qualified for include:
- community health worker
- public health or health improvement practitioner
- health promotion specialist
- health policy analyst or advocate
- senior public health officer (for example, for mental wellbeing)
- behavioural insights lead
- public health researcher or academic
- public health intelligence analyst
You could be employed in different sectors including:
- local government
- central government or its executive agencies
- NHS
- universities
- private sector
- voluntary and social enterprise sector
Public health salaries
A Masters in Public Health can open the door to higher salaries, though figures may differ by industry, location, and experience. The average salary for public health jobs across various UK locations and industries is £51,354. (Source: Coursera)
As a specialist working at consultant level in the NHS, your salary will be between £99,532 and £131,964. If you choose specialty training as a route to consultant level, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £43,923 during your training. (Source: NHS Healthcareers)
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