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Public Health MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Start date

September / January

Previous degree

2:2

Distance learning available

No

Student visa accepted?

Yes

Duration

1 year (full-time), 2/3 years (part-time)

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The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Protect and empower communities with our cutting-edge Public Health master’s.

Prevent disease and fight health inequality with our innovative Public Health master’s. You will develop critical knowledge and skills while covering:

  • epidemiology
  • sociology
  • biostatistics
  • health economics
  • global health
  • bioethics
  • development of public health policies
  • human trafficking and violence.

Exceptional teaching

Our academics are active in policy development, advisory groups, and the voluntary sector. They also conduct research in collaboration with:

  • the World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • the NHS
  • Whitehall and Westminster
  • the Office for National Statistics.

You’ll get specialist guidance from your lecturers, who prioritise your personal and professional growth. Our student, Aikaterini, tells us they were “always encouraged and fully supported”.

Dr Eirini Kelaiditi

Course Lead - Public Health MSc

Upcoming webinars and events

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Postgraduate events

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Course content

Modules

International students and students with no previous formal qualifications will be required to complete a short online bridging course (free of charge). The course will be available from August and open until registration for the new academic year. The bridging course will provide a foundation to academic skills and basic statistical and analytical skills.

As part of the bridging course students will have to complete short assessments on academic skills (writing and referencing) and statistics (MCQs). A minimum score of 40% in each assessment is required for successful enrolment to the degree.

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

2:2

Previous degree

A 2:2 (or above) UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in a subject such as health promotion, public health, allied health, health-related studies (e.g. psychology, nutrition), social sciences, biosciences, sport science, and environmental health.

Additional requirement information

You will also need access to computer equipment that meets our minimum technology specifications.

Relevant credits, such as credits at an appropriate level and in an appropriate subject, earned in another institution or in other institutions, in the European Union or elsewhere, may merit exemption from a proportion of the degree. The maximum number of credits for which exemption that may be given are as follows:

  • postgraduate diploma: up to 40 credits
  • master's degree: up to 60 credits.

Students who are given entry with advanced standing to a master’s programme may be exempted from taught elements only. Applications based on credits achieved from study or learning achieved elsewhere will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Programme level and by the Head of Registry.

International Requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

International students and those with no previous formal qualifications, will be required to have at least two-year experience in a relevant health field, supported by appropriate references and subject to an interview (via Skype/Zoom/Teams).

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

September 2025

Home

£11,910

International

£18,750

Additional costs

Home fees and interview fees: TBC.

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.

Funding

You can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.

Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.

How the degree is taught

Assessment methods

Assessment is by:

  • online discussion
  • essays
  • case studies
  • reflective accounts
  • presentations
  • practical assessment
  • literature reviews
  • a research dissertation.

Support is provided for assignments and the additional needs of those returning to study after a considerable break will be identified.

Career opportunities

With our Public Health master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills, such as critical thinking, adaptability, and communication.

Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.

Public health jobs

epidemiologypublic health intelligencehealth promotionhealth and well-being coordinationspecialist community nursingpublic health leadershipteachingresearch

Apply now

January 2025

September 2025

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.